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A CENTURY OF 



Baptist Foreign Missions. 



AN OUTLINE SKETCH. 



BY 

SOPHIE BRONSON TITTERINGTON. 










NOV 12 1o9] 

PHILADELPHIA : 

AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY, 
1420 Chestnut Street. 



X ^^V\\ V 



The Library 

ot Congress 



WASHINGTON 






Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1891, by the 

AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER PAGE 

I. The Dawn in England, 7 

II. Beginnings in America, 13 

BUBMAN MISSIONS. 

III. A New Gold Mine, 20 

IV. Early Lights and Shadows— Martyr Suf- 

ferings, 26 

V. Bewards and Kesults, 32 

VI. Varied Experiences— Enlargement, ... 40 

VII. Helping Hands, 48 

VIII. Sorrow and Joy, 55 

IX. Later Years, 62 

KABEN MISSION. 

X. A Eire Kindled, 67 

XL Jungle Victories, 74 

XII. Success in Adversity, 82 

XIII. Sunshine and Shadow, 89 

XIV. Looking Beyond, 95 

XV. Trial and Victory 103 

MISSIONS IN ASSAM. 

XVI. Lengthening Cords, 110 

XVII. Progress in Assam, 116 

XVIII. The Kohls, Nagas, and Garos, 122 

SHAN MISSION. 

XIX. Mountain Heathen, ....,..,.. 129 

XX. Sowing and Beaping, 135 

3 



CONTENTS. 



MISSIONS IN CHINA. 

CHAPTER PAGE 

XXI. The Chinese Mission at Bangkok, . . 142 

XXII. From Macao to Swatow, ...... 148 

XXIII. Results, 156 

XXIY. The Canton Mission, 163 

XXY. Quiet Growth in China, ...... 171 

XX VI. Central China Mission, . , . . . . 180 

XXVII. Northern China or Shantung Mission, 186 

XXVIII. Western China Station, 190 

TELITGU MISSION. 

XXIX. The Seed Planted, 194 

XXX. Early Sheaves, 202 

XXXI. Later Harvests, 209 

MISSIONS IN JAPAN. 

XXXII. Open Doors in Japan, 217 

XXXIII. Promise and Perplexity, 224 

XXXIV. The Crisis in Japan, 230 

MISSIONS IN AFRICA. 

XXXV. The Old and the New, ....... 237 

XXXVI. Light in Darkness, 242 

XXXVII. Missions of the Southern Board, . . 246 

MISSIONS IN WESTERN HEMISPHERE. 

XXXVIII. Mission in Brazil, , . . 252 

XXXIX. Mission in Cuba, 256 

XL. Missions in Mexico, 258 

MISSIONS IN EUROPE. 

XLI. The Mission in France, . ' 263 

XLII. The Mission in Germany, 268 

XLIII. The Mission in Sweden, 276 

XLIV. The Mission in Italy, 281 

XLV. Missions in Denmark, Greece, Spain, . 286 

XL VI. The Publication Society's Work in 

Turkey, 292 

XLVII. Our Century, , ... 295 



INTRODUCTION. 



This book is, of necessity, only an outline of the work 
of the century in Baptist Foreign Missions, To those 
using it as a text book, a few suggestions may be helpful. 

An attempt has been made to supply in some degree, 
by the Questions and Supplementary Readings, the una- 
voidable omissions in the text. Many of the questions 
call for outside study, and the needed information may 
be found, in most cases, in the Supplementary Readings. 
The latter are given in variety, as some may be available 
when others are not. The more thoroughly the course 
of study indicated is followed, the greater will be the 
interest, and the more satisfactory the results. 

All history is in some sense a compilation. The writer 
wishes to express deep gratitude to all who have aided 
in furnishing the material for this work. It would be im- 
possible to mention them all. The " Missionary Maga- 
zine " has been the fountain head from which all have 

drawn. The letters of our missionaries have helped to 

5 



6 INTRODUCTION. 

clothe the dry bones of statistics with life and breath. 
Dr. Tupper's two royal octavo volumes have been indis- 
pensable in the history of the Southern work. Gammers 
" History of Baptist Missions," Dr. Smith's " Missionary 
Sketches/' "Our Gold Mine," and many, many other 
helps, have contributed to the results embodied in this 
volume. 

With a prayer that the book may have its mission 
among our dear young people, now organizing for efficient 
service for God in the world, in broadening their sympa- 
thies, extending and clarifying their vision, and making 
them more intelligent workers, the writer closes her 

task. 

S. B. T. 



A CENTURY OF 

BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 



CHAPTER I. 

THE DAWN IN ENGLAND. 

rilHE darkest hour is just before the dawn. In Eng- 
-*- land, the period of Baptist history immediately 
preceding the earliest beginning of missionary interest 
was one of deep gloom. 

Many things conspired to produce this result. The 
Baptists were, in a measure, paralyzed by the frown of 
the Established Church ; false doctrines had weakened 
their spiritual power, and the great body of their mem- 
bership were poor and humble people. With the excep- 
tion of Andrew Fuller, John Kyland, Jr., and some of 
the London pastors, the ministry were mostly unedu- 
cated, and unable to cope with the problems of the time. 

Through what small instrumentalities does God work 
out his blessed results! The condition of the Baptist 
cause seemed desperate, but Faith suggested a remedy, 
and this remedy proved the seed-germ of modern mis- 



8 BAPTIST FOKEIGN MISSIONS. 

sions. The ministers of the Northamptonshire Associa- 
tion drew up a resolution, beseeching all Baptist churches 
in England to spend one stated hour a month in earnest, 
united prayer for the promotion of pure and undefiled 
religion. Surely they were inspired to add the exhorta- 
tion, "Let the spread of the gospel to the most distant parts 
of the habitable globe be the object of your most fervent 
requests" 

Thus, in August, 1774, was instituted the monthly 
concert of prayer, the origin of all subsequent missionary 
concerts, and the starting point of our glorious mission- 
ary achievements. " It was a spark dropped from heaven, 
and it has set the world in a blaze." Of all missionary 
centennials, this comes truly the first ; as the Jerusalem 
prayer meeting preceded Pentecost, and Pentecost the 
missions of the early church. 

These good men did not dream of the significance of 
their action. When the churches began to pray for con- 
quests in heathen lands, God was ready for fulfillment. 
Even before they asked, he had called William Carey 
from the humblest walks of life, and was fitting him to 
be a chosen vessel to begin the work in heathen lands. 

All through the years, events had been ripening, and 
in the fullness of time this glorious enterprise sprang into 
being. 

William Carey was born at Paulerspury, near North- 
ampton, England, August 17, 1761. His earliest child- 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 9 

hood was marked by an intense thirst for knowledge. 
One special trait of his character was the resolve always 
to finish what he had once begun, no matter what 
difficulties were in the way. This was highly important 
to him in later life. He was a close observer, and this 
proved helpful to the future missionary. 

At fourteen, he was bound out to a shoemaker. After 
this, he led a wild and wayward life ; but was converted 
and baptized October 5, 1783. Immediately he began 
preaching in a humble way, cobbling shoes to eke out 
his scanty support. On the walls of his shop hung a 
map of the world, which he had drawn upon sheets of 
paper pasted together, and on which he had entered all 
the information he could gather regarding the condition, 
population, and religion of every country on the globe. 
Upon the cobbler's bench beside him was always a book ; 
sometimes in a language he was learning, or a book of 
travels. He allowed no time to run to waste. As he 
studied, the needs of a perishing world wrung his heart. 
Within nine years from his baptism, he was the motive 
power in the organization of the first missionary society. 

Carey did not study and pray in vain. He rapidly 
rose from his humble station to a position of eminence 
and power. His linguistic talent had already shown 
itself in the remarkable facility with which he acquired 
a new language. It is altogether probable, that he might 
have become one of the foremost men in England. But 



10 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

the call from the perishing millions was like fire in his 
bones. His zeal and fervor were contagious, and resulted 
in the establishment at Kettering, October 2, 1792, of 
" The Baptist Society for Propagating the Gospel Among 
the Heathen." The subscriptions at the time of its 
organization amounted to £13 2s 6d. A small deposit 
in the Bank of Faith, but how royal have been the 
returns ! 

The new undertaking was begun in fear and trembling. 
God forced his people onward ; they dared not go back, 
and how could they go forward ? Such an enterprise 
demanded large outlay. The London ministers turned 
a cold shoulder, for they had little faith in a movement 
beginning among country pastors. But they were soon 
drawn into the work by the irresistible enthusiasm the 
scheme inspired ; and after trials and troubles innum- 
erable, Carey was ready to set sail for his work. A 
companion had been found in Dr. Thomas, formerly a 
surgeon in Bengal. He was Carey's opposite in many 
respects, and perhaps this was well in the outset of the 
undertaking. But Carey's piety and perseverance proved 
the best qualities in the long run. 

The East India Company was a trading organization 
which ruled India. It was unfavorable to missionary 
labor, lest it might interfere with its money-making 
schemes. It refused to carry the missionaries upon its 
ships, and, at last, passage was secured upon a Danish 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 11 

East Indiaman, and the party sailed from Dover, June 
13, 1793. 

The voyage was a long, weary one of five months. 
Carey spent the time in studying Bengali with Dr. 
Thomas, and beginning a translation of the Bible into 
that language. 

The story of Carey's success in later years is that of 
triumph over stupendous difficulties. The lack of funds 
caused Carey and Thomas to don the white jackets of 
indigo planters, thus also giving an excuse for their stay 
in the country to the jealous East India Company. We 
may be sure Carey was faithful in this temporal matter ; 
but every moment not claimed by business was spent in 
study of the various languages, or in direct missionary 
labor. 

These five years were God's training school for the 
future work. Then the owners of the factories failed, 
and the East India Company, which had tolerated them 
as indigo merchants, was ready to persecute them as 
missionaries. A refuge was offered at Serampore, a 
small tract, twenty acres in extent, fifteen miles from 
Calcutta, held by Denmark as a trading station. With 
the beginning of 1800, this became the headquarters of 
the English Baptist Mission, with printing press, and a 
reinforcement of missionaries from England. It was 
soon a centre of gospel light, whose beams penetrated far 
into the interior. Dr. Carey's " gift of tongues " enabled 



12 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

him to send out portions of the Scriptures in many lan- 
guages. His translations are, even now, his most endur- 
ing monument. 

British authorities had denied to Carey a landing- 
place on his arrival in India ; but when he died, the 
Government dropped all its flags to half-mast in honor of a 
man who had done more for India than all her generals. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. What was the religious state of England preceding the dawn 
of foreign mission work? 

2. When, where, and how did the monthly Concert of Prayer 
for Missions originate ? 

3. To what has it been likened ? 

4. How was God preparing to answer these prayers ? 

5. Tell the story of William Carey's childhood and youth. 

6. How was he influential in the formation of the first English 
Baptist Missionary Society? 

7. With what amount of capital did it begin ? 

8. What difficulties beset this first missionary work ? 

9. Who went with Carey ? What trials did they meet before 
sailing ? 

10. How did they improve the time of their voyage ? 

11. Give account of their first years in India. 

12. When and where were they permanently located? 

13. What was the final tribute of respect paid to Carey by the 
British Government? 

SUPPLEMENTAKY HEADINGS. 

BOOKS. 

Lite of William Carey : American Baptist Publication Society. 
Our Gold Mine, pages 41-51. GammePs History of American 
Baptist Missions. Kindling the Light. (Sketch of Carey, Marsh- 
man, and Ward.) 



CHAPTER II. 

BEGINNINGS IN AMERICA. 

"TT7HILE Carey was concentrating all eyes upon Ser- 
' ' ampore, the New World was being made ready 
for its missionary crisis. The Revolutionary War was 
ended, the Declaration of Independence sustained at the 
point of the sword. The white wings of peace hovered 
ever the infant nation, and the great principles of fra- 
ternity and equality were receiving their triumphal 
test. 

Carey's work enkindled enthusiasm, and missionary 
societies sprang up all through New England for its aid. 
Thus far, Christians of all denominations united in the 
support of the Baptist mission at Serampore. Dr. Carey 
gratefully acknowledged the receipt of six thousand dol- 
lars from American churches in the years 1806 and 1807. 
This is notable as the first money raised in America for 
foreign mission work. 

These funds were largely sent from Presbyterian 
and Congregational churches. The same spirit ani- 
mated the Baptists, but their numbers and means were 
small. The Baptist Missionary Society of Massachu- 
setts was formed before 1803, but it did not look for 

13 



14 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

heathen outside of America. This year, Dr. Baldwin 
began the publication of " The Massachusetts Baptist 
Missionary Magazine." Its pages were made thrillingly 
attractive by letters from Carey, Marsh man, and Ward, 
of Serampore. This fanned the spark, of foreign mission 
interest, until it became a steady flame, and prepared 
the churches for the greater things in store. 

It bore fruit in 1812, in the formation of the Salem 
Translation and Foreign Society, to aid the English mis- 
sion already existing at Serampore. All organizations 
at this time were local. It was not as easy to form gen- 
eral organizations then as now. It was not yet the day 
of steam and electricity, linking the earth into one grand 
whole. The missionary sentiment needed some crisis to 
force it into action. 

As we must go to the cobbler's shop in Hackleton for 
the beginning of English Baptist missions, so we are 
taken to a haystack for the initial point of American 
foreign missions. Three earnest Christian young men, 
students at Williams College, were fired with the same 
zeal that had inspired Carey; and in a retired spot, 
beside a sheltering haystack, they communed, and prayed, 
and planned. 

A little later, an ardent youth, with intellectual power 
that promised a brilliant career, was reading in his room 
at Andover Theological Seminary, Buchanan's " Star in 
the East." Adoniram Judson's consecration to God was 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 15 

in its earliest glow ; and now he consecrated himself also 
to the work of foreign missions. 

These four Congregational young men soon made 
known their life purpose; and from the thrill of this 
impulse sprang the u American Board of Commissioners 
for Foreign Missions," — the noble mother of all American 
foreign missionary societies. She accepted the service 
offered, but distrusting the ability of the churches to sup- 
port a mission alone, sent Judson to confer with the 
London Missionary Society in reference to a co-operative 
relation. 

Judson's trip to England was fraught with strange 
adventures. His vessel was captured by a French priva- 
teer, and he had an unpleasant taste of French prison 
life. But God brought him safely out of all his distresses, 
and he was at last enabled to lay his message before the 
London Congregational Board. The English brethren 
were willing to accept Judson and his associates as their 
own missionaries, but wisely concluded that, with the 
Atlantic rolling between, it was better that the two soci- 
eties should act independently. They advised the Ameri- 
can churches to establish a mission of their own. 

Upon Judson's return, he found that this view of the 
subject prevailed ; and accordingly Messrs. Judson, 
Newell, Nott, and Mills, were appointed. Luther Eice 
was soon added, on condition that he raise the money 
for his own outfit and passage, which he did in six days. 



16 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

On the 5th of February, 1812, Judson was married to 
Ann Hasseltine, of Bradford, Mass., a young lady of 
rare qualifications, in every way worthy to lead the long 
list of missionary heroines and martyrs. In these early 
days of missions, it was thought foolhardy for a woman 
to risk life in pagan India. It was much farther off than 
now, and the wildest ideas prevailed. One of Mrs. Jud- 
son's earliest trials was the general disapproval of her 
prospective work. 

On the 19th of February, the Judsons, with Mr. 
Newell and wife, sailed from Boston in the ship Caravan. 
The Harmony, with the other missionaries, sailed the 
24th ; and in August they met once more, in Calcutta. 

But during the voyage, strange things had happened. 
Mr. Judson took up the study of Scriptural teachings 
regarding baptism, in order that he might be able to 
meet the arguments of the Baptist brethren in Seram- 
pore, and also to justify himself in sprinkling the infants 
of the future converts. To his surprise, his investiga- 
tions were far from comforting. Against his will he 
became convinced that the Baptist position was right ; 
that believers were the only proper subjects, and immer- 
sion the divinely commanded act of baptism. With 
Mr. Judson, conviction produced action, and in com- 
pany with Mrs. Judson, who reluctantly reached the 
same conclusion, he requested baptism at the hands of 
the Serampore missionaries. The ordinance was admin- 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 17 

istered by Mr. Ward, September 6, 1812. Luther Rice, 
on the Harmony, had followed the same line of study, 
and upon his arrival, Mr. Judson had the joy of finding 
him a fellow Baptist. 

It is well to stop a moment, and consider what these 
missionaries had done. Strangers in a strange land, they 
had, by their own act, severed the relation between them- 
selves and the American Board. Would American 
Baptists take them up? Upon the answer depended 
their daily bread. In the true spirit of Christian 
brotherhood, they were bidden to draw funds from Ser- 
ampore, until they could hear from Baptists at home. 
A collection was also taken up among the friends of mis- 
sions in Calcutta. But this supply could not always 
last. Was it not a sublime faith that could thus launch 
out on the promises of God, and do the duty made plain, 
without heeding the consequences ? 

Trials and perplexities multiplied. The East India 
Company, nearing the end of its despotic power, was just 
at this time particularly incensed against missionaries. 
Such a party arriving in India, roused their hostility into 
energetic action. Judson and Newell were ordered back 
to America, but obtained permission to go instead to the 
Isle of France. A ship was about to sail, but as she 
could take only two passengers, the Newells embarked, 
leaving the Judsons to follow in the next vessel. 

At last, as they were compelled to leave at all hazards, 

B 



18 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

a ship came in, bound for the Isle of France. At first, 
a pass was refused, but after annoyances and troubles 
innumerable, the Judsons and Mr. Rice secured the 
desired permission. January 11, 1813, they reached the 
Isle of France, only to find that Mrs. Newell had been 
buried some weeks before. 

The terrible shock of this unexpected bereavement 
nearly prostrated Mrs. Judson. To add to their distress, 
the island offered no adequate opening for mission work. 
Mr. Kice, impaired in health, sailed for America to 
arouse the Baptist denomination to their great oppor- 
tunity. Mr. Newell went to Ceylon, and the Judsons, 
left alone, saw no alternative but to leave also. What 
wonder that Mrs. Judson wrote in her diary, "It seems 
as if there was no resting place for me on earth " ! 

Where could they go ? Must they again enter the 
lion's jaws ? There seemed to be no other way, and on 
May 7 they embarked for Madras, trusting to the guiding 
finger of Providence. 

Reaching Madras, they looked about for a vessel 
sailing for some port outside the jurisdiction of the East 
India Company. They had no time to lose ; they must 
be away before the lion's jaws could close upon them. 
The only ship was a miserable, unseaworthy hulk, bound 
for Rangoon, in Burma. This seemed but a little 
better. Even then, there were mutterings of war be- 
tween England and Burma, and it was not to be ex- 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 19 

pected that the Burmans would make nice distinctions 
between English and Americans. But they were shut up 
to this single point. June 22, they embarked on the crazy 
old Georgianna. Under the circumstances, the voyage 
could not be a pleasant one. Mrs. Judson was taken 
alarmingly ill, and the rough weather almost precluded 
the hope of her recovery. But they were driven into a 
dangerous strait, with black rocks on the one hand, and 
a shore infested with cannibals on the other. Here God 
kept them, as in the hollow of his hand. The perfect 
stillness saved Mrs. Judson 's life, and soon, with favoring 
breezes, they entered the harbor of Rangoon. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. What was the condition of the New World? 

2. What enkindled the earliest missionary enthusiasm ? 

3. What was the first foreign missionary contribution raised in 
America ? 

4. Give account of the Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Mag- 
azine. 

5. What is the initial point of American foreign missions ? 

6. Describe Judson's call to foreign mission work. 

7. What great Society resulted from the consecration of these 
three young men ? 

8. Give causes, experiences, and results of Judson's visit to 
England. 

9. Give the names of the four young men appointed. 

10 Describe Judson's marriage, and accompanying trials. 

11. Give a sketch of Ann Hasseltine. 

12. Describe the sailing of this first band of American mission- 
aries. 

13. What occurred during the voyage ? 

SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS. 

BOOKS. 

Life of Dr. Judson. Missionary Memorials. Life of Ann H. 
Judson. 



CHAPTER III. 

A NEW GOLD MINE. 

A NDREW FULLERS famous saying, "There is a 
-*--*- gold mine in India, but it seems almost as deep 
as the centre of the earth " ; and Carey's reply, " I 
will go down, but, remember, you must hold the ropes," 
found its counterpart in Burma with Judscn, its heroic 
explorer. Our last chapter left them at the portals 
of Rangoon. 

Burma was not altogether virgin missionary soil. 
Felix Carey had been there five years. He had learned 
something of the lantrua^e, had translated the first six 
chapters of Matthew, and had begun the preparation of 
a Burman grammar and dictionary. But he had made 
little impression on the people. Indeed, it had not oc- 
curred to them that he was anything more than a civil 
ambassador. When the Judsons' arrived, he was in Ava, 
called thither by the king on secular business. 

The English Mission house was a dreary place outside 

the city walls, exposed to wild beasts, and near the place 

of public execution. Still it afforded a refuge. Mrs. 

Judson. was so feeble that she was carried on shore by 

four natives. Being the first white woman ever seen in 
20 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 21 

Rangoon, she was a great curiosity. Receiving a wel- 
come, they established themselves in the mission house, 
and began work in good earnest upon the language. 

Leaving our missionaries hard at work over the Bur- 
man tongue, let us see what effect the strange tidings 
of their change of views had upon American Baptists. 
The first news was brought by the ship Tartar, Janu- 
ary, 1813, which bore letters from Mr. Judson to 
the American Board, and also to prominent Baptist 
ministers, announcing his altered convictions. The news 
flew swiftly over the land, and roused the Baptists as 
with the sound of a trumpet. The glad surprise touched 
a nerve of exquisite feeling which vibrated from Maine 
to the sunny South. God had placed at the disposal of 
the Baptist denomination three fully equipped mission- 
aries. As they had cut themselves off from the Board 
which sent them out, action must be prompt and decisive. 

Societies sprang up for the promotion of Baptist 
foreign missions, the most prominent of which was the 
one formed in Boston. This society at once assumed 
the support of the Judsons, but believing that they would 
receive comfort and direction by association with the 
Serampore missionaries, proposed to the English Society 
that Baptists in England and America should co-operate 
in the work of foreign missions. This did not seem best 
to the English brethren, and they declined the propo- 
sition. Tiie result proved the wisdom of their decision. 



22 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

The condition of the Baptist denomination at this time 
was a peculiar one. There was not yet a consciousness 
of power. They were a scattered and feebJe folk, with 
little denominational spirit. The call from the foreign 
field came like an electric shock. It consolidated the 
Baptist forces and sent new life tingling through the 
veins of the denomination. Mr. Judson had written the 
significant words, " Should there be formed a Baptist 
society for the support of a mission in these parts, I 
should be ready to consider myself their missionary." 
These words summoned the Baptist hosts to the conflict. 

The ship that bore the first cordial words of accept- 
ance to Mr. Judson passed Mr. Rice in mid-ocean, as 
he was hastening back to arouse the churches at home. 
This was the crisis in Baptist history. It marked the 
beginning of that wonderful growth that has astonished 
the world. In attempting great things for God, they 
awoke to a consciousness of their own power. 

When Mr. Rice arrived, he found the country pre- 
pared to respond to his appeal. New societies were 
formed in the Middle and Southern States, and it 
seemed best to devise some means to secure concert 
of action. Accordingly, May 18, 1814, delegates from 
Baptist churches and missionary societies throughout the 
land convened at the First Baptist Church in Philadel- 
phia. This was the first general meeting of the denomi- 
nation in America, and great was the enthusiasm aroused. 



BAPTIST FOKEIGX MISSIONS. 23 

At this meeting was organized "The General Missionary 
Convention of the Baptist Denomination of the United 
States of America for Foreign Missions." The local 
societies contributed four thousand dollars to its treasury, 
and it was thought an annual amount of over five thou- 
sand might be secured from the churches. It was the 
day of small things. 

At this first meeting of the " Triennial Convention/' 
as it was more briefly called, Mr. Judson was formally 
appointed its missionary to Burma, and Luther Rice 
employed to labor in the United States to arouse a 
more general interest in missions. Perhaps no truer 
estimate of the man and his work can be given than an 
extract from the inscription upon his monument, erected 
by the South Carolina Baptist Convention. 

" If the Burmans have cause for gratitude toward 
Judson for a faithful version of God's word, so they will, 
through generations to come, arise and call Rice blessed, 
for it was his eloquent appeals for the heathen which 
raised our Baptist churches to adopt the Burman Mis- 
sion, and sustain Judson in his arduous toils." 

It was not until September 7, 1815, that Judson 
learned of the organization of the Triennial Convention, 
and his appointment as its missionary. More than two 
years had passed since his arrival in Burma, and when 
the glad news came, Mrs. Judson was absent at Madras, 
for medical treatment. 



24 BAPTIST FOKEIGX MISSIONS. 

The exploration of the Burman gold mine was no easy 
task. The language was exceedingly difficult, and he 
had not even an interpreter. Fundamentally differing 
from any other tongue with which he was familiar, he 
had no helpful points of analogy. , In later years he be- 
came the wonder and delight of the Burmans for the 
ease and fluency with which he expressed himself. The 
severe application of these first years nearly unfitted him 
for further work ; and he was on the point of sailing for 
Bengal for rest and medical advice, when the joyful 
news came that Mr. and Mrs. Hough, appointed by the 
Board, had reached Calcutta. This proved such a tonic 
that the proposed trip was not taken. Previous to this 
they had left the English mission house, and were living 
within the city walls. 

October 15, 181 6, the Houghs reached Rangoon, also 
a printing press and a font of Burman type, the gift of 
the Serampore missionaries. It may be imagined with 
what joy the Judsons welcomed these friends, having 
lived in their self-imposed exile for nearly three years. 

Mr. Hough could print while studying the language, 
so he became immediately useful. A tract, a Burmese 
grammar, and the first chapters of Matthew were soon 
ready for the press. 

The proclamation of the gospel now began in earnest. 
In March came the first inquirer, whose mind had been 
awakened bv reading the tract and catechism. His 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 25 

great desire was " for more of that writing/' Mr. Jud- 
son gave him the first five chapters of Matthew, and he 
went away. From time to time they heard of his con- 
stant reading of the sacred books ; but he never became 
an avowed Christian. Doubtless the fear of persecution 
deterred him. But it was a comforting proof that the 
Burman heart was not impenetrable; and it was a 
prophecy of a coming harvest. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. In what sense was Burma a gold mine ? 

2. Give a description of Burma. 

3. What is the religion ? 

4. Where is Kangoon ? 

5. What effect did Judson's change of views have upon Ameri- 
can Baptists? 

6. What offer was made to the English Baptist Society, and 
with what result? 

7. What was the condition of the Baptist denomination ? 

8. What significant words had Mr. Judson written? What was 
their effect ? 

9. When and where was the first meeting of the denomination ? 

10. What society was organized, and what was its first work ? 

11. What was Luther Bice's mission ? 

12. What difficulties did Judson meet in the outset of his work? 

13. When did the Houghs reach Kangoon, and what did they 
take with them ? 

14. What was the first printed matter in Burman ? 

15. Tell the story of the first inquirer. 

SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS. 

BOOKS. 

Our Gold Mine, pages 66-77. Life of Adoniram Judson, by Dr. 
Edward Judson. Missionary Memorials ; Mrs. Ann H. Judson. 

LEAFLETS. 

The Burman Mission. The Races of Burma. Women in 
Burma. 



CHAPTER IV. 

EARLY LIGHTS AND SHADOWS. MARTYR SUFFERINGS. 

TN 1817, Mr. Judson undertook a voyage to Arakan, 
J- in the hope of obtaining a native assistant. By a 
series of most disastrous circumstances, his expected 
absence of a few weeks was prolonged to six months, and 
he was given up for lost. Rangoon becoming unsafe 
because of the impending war, the Houghs prepared to 
leave for Bengal, taking the printing press with them, 
but Mrs. Judson refused to go. Very soon she had the 
joy of welcoming back Mr. Judson, as one from the 
dead, and in spite of danger, the mission was continued. 

September 19, 1818, Messrs. Colman and Wheelock 
joined the mission at Rangoon. They were literally on 
fire with missionary zeal, too intense for their frail 
bodies. In less than a year Wheelock slept beneath the 
waters of the Bay of Bengal. Who shall say the sacri- 
fice was in vain ? Column's career was also brief. 

Public Christian worship was first held in Rangoon 

April 4, 1819. It was observed in a zayat, erected for 

the purpose, the first house dedicated to the Lord in 

Burma. It was a humble, unpretending building, in 

striking contrast with the heathen temples on every hand. 
26 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 27 

June 27, 1819, was a glorious day. Mr. Judson had 
then the joy of baptizing the first convert, after six years 
of weary seed-sowing in the sterile soil of Burman hearts. 
On the first of May, Moung Nau had appeared as an in- 
quirer. Many cases had seemed hopeful, only to turn 
back ; but Moung Nau soon gave good evidence of con- 
version. To the reapers this first blade of grain was the 
prophecy of countless others. Inquirers increased, and 
slowly the little church grew. 

But it could not be concealed from the jealous eyes of 
the Government at Ava that some of its subjects were 
embracing a foreign faith. A statute of the realm for- 
bade a Burman to change his religion on pain of death. 
Inquirers feared to come. In December, 1819, Judson 
and Colman, taking their lives in their hands, ascended 
the Irrawaddy in a native boat to Ava, to lay their 
cause before the king of Burma himself, and, if possible, 
secure toleration for the infant church in Rangoon. 
Five hundred weary miles they made their way against 
the current, through scenery wonderfully beautiful, but 
everywhere desecrated by idol temples. 

As they approached Ava, difficulties multiplied. By 
sending a gift ahead to each petty official, they at last 
entered the golden palace, and obtained audience with 
royalty. As a present, they had brought the king a 
beautifully gilded copy of the Bible. 

It was hard to suffer utter defeat. The king repulsed 



28 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

them ; would not even look at their gift, and they went 
away sad and heavy-hearted. But God was carrying 
out his own purposes. He did not mean that " his infant 
cause in Burma should be rocked by royal fingers." 

Sorrowfully they returned to P-angoon, and found to 
their joy the converts firm and undismayed at the pros- 
pect of persecution. The Judsons resolved to stay with 
the brave band a little longer. Colman was sent to 
Chittagong, in British India, to establish an asylum to 
which they might flee, if need be. But death ended his 
work in 1822. 

In 1821, Mrs. Judson was compelled by failing health 
to go to America. But Mr. Judson was not left alone. 
Dr. and Mrs. Price had joined the mission, while the 
Houghs had returned, bringing back the printing press. 
Dr. Price began the practice of medicine, and the fame 
of liis skill having reached the " golden ears " in Ava, 
he was summoned thither by the king. Mr. Judson 
accompanied him to begin a mission, if the opening 
should prove to be a real one. The church in Rangoon 
now numbered eighteen members, who were left in 
charge of Mr. Hough, while native boats a second time 
bore Christ's messengers up the Irrawaddy, this time at 
Government expense. 

In January, 1823, Mr. Judson returned to Rangoon, 
to await Mrs. Judson's arrival, having secured the loan 
of ground upon which to build a mission house in Ava. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 29 

Her visit to America had inspired fresh enthusiasm for 
the work in Burma. With her came Rev. Jonathan 
Wade and wife. Leaving them with the Houghs to 
carry on the Rangoon mission, the Judsons, with their 
worldly belongings, hastened to Ava. But they found 
the royal city all astir with the prospect of war with 
England, Dr. Price no longer in favor, and Americans 
and English alike under the shadow of suspicion. 

Soon came the war in deadly earnest. The mission- 
aries exchanged activities for martyr sufferings. The 
Wades and Houghs in Rangoon were in terrible danger, 
as the English fleet attacked the city. Only the speedy 
victory saved them, and soon they escaped to Calcutta, 
where they remained until after the war. 

It took two weeks for the news of the English victory 
to reach the capital. Mr. and Mrs. Judson had placed 
themselves where there was no escape. Mr. Judson and 
Mr. Price were arrested under suspicion of being Eng- 
lish spies, and thrust into prison. Mrs. Price had merci- 
fully been removed from the evil to come, and Mrs. Jud- 
son was called upon to pass through experiences worse 
than death. 

Words fail to describe the terrible sufferings of the 
next year and a half, first at Ava, then at Amarapura, 
culminating in the horrors of the death prison at Oung- 
pen-la. Nine months they lay chained in nine, and 
three months in five pairs of fetters. The devilish 



30 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

cruelty of their jailers, disease, and lack of food, soon 
wasted them to skeletons. Picture the situation of Mrs. 
Judson, solitary among enemies. Her heroism alone 
enabled the prisoners to survive the dreadful sufferings 
and privations of their long imprisonment. To and fro 
she passed, bearing tiiem food or clothing, and by brib- 
ing the prison officials, sometimes obtaining slight miti- 
gation of their torture; wearing the Burman dress to 
appease the natives, and to escape annoyance. No 
avenue toward royal clemency was left untried. Vol- 
umes could be written without telling the story of this 
terrible time. Tw T enty-one months one long continued 
agony! For a time during this period, her husband 
missed her daily visits, and when he crawled forth, a 
chained captive, to meet her once more, he welcomed also 
a puny, wailing babe, born to an inheritance of suffering. 
The most precious treasure they possessed was the 
manuscript translation of the Burman New Testament. 
Mrs. Judson sewed this up in a pillow, too hard to excite 
the cupidity of even a Burman, and gave it into Mr. 
Judson's keeping. When the prisoners were removed 
to Oung-pen-la, whither Mrs. Judson followed them, it 
was picked up by one of the Burman Christians, and 
carried to his home as a precious relic of his dear teach- 
ers, with no knowledge of what it contained. In it, 
months afterward, was found the priceless manuscript 
unharmed. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 31 

After sufferings beyond description, the English vic- 
tories rendered Mr. Judson's services as ambassador from 
the Bur man Government invaluable. It was like escape 
from hell, when the Judsons with their infant daughter 
found themselves sailing down the Irrawaddy to the 
British camp. Here they were received with every 
possible attention and kindness. 

The scenes of the past months seemed like a terrible 
dream, save that their physical consequences remained a 
sad reality. 

QUESTIONS. 

I. Give an account of Mr. Judson's attempted voyage to Ara- 
kan. 

2. Who were Colman and Wheelock ? 

3. When was public Christian worship first held in Kangoon ? 

4. Give the history of the first convert, and the date of baptism. 

5. Describe the beginnings of persecution. 

6. Why did Judson and Colman go to Ava, and what was the 
result? 

7. What were the events of 1821 ? 

8. Who carried on the Rangoon mission, upon the removal of 
the Judsons to Ava ? 

9. What was their situation in the royal city? 

10. For what did the missionaries exchange active work? 

II. What was the situation in Rangoon? 

12. Tell the story of the twenty-one months imprisonment. 

13. How was the manuscript New Testament preserved? 

SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS. 

BOOKS. 

Our Gold Mine, pages 78-119. Life of Adoniram Judson. Mis- 
sionary Memorials. Life of Ann H. Judson. 

LEAFLETS. 

The Barman Mission. A golden sheaf from Judson's work at 
Ava. Wayside Preaching. Sketch of the life of Dr. Judson. 



CHAPTER V. 



REWARDS AND RESULTS. 



ONE result of the war was a broad slice of Burman 
territory on the coast, ceded to England. The 
Rangoon church was scattered, and it was decided to 
remove the mission to some new location under the pro- 
tection of the British flag. Amherst was chosen as 
being the prospective capital of British Burma, and 
thither Mr. Judson removed his family. 

But the long strain had been too much for Mrs. 
Judson, and she died in Amherst, October 24, 1826, 
during Mr. Judson's absence at Ava with the British 
embassy. When he returned, he found only her grave 
under the hopia tree. This was the culmination of all 
the sorrows and distresses of this period of his history. 
Surely hers was the martyr crown. Her life of thirty- 
seven years had been a long one in its measure of en- 
deavor and heroic endurance. Soon the little Maria 
slept beside her mother. It was the climax of sorrow. 

The Wades joined Mr. Judson in Amherst, but the 

British headquarters having been moved to Moulmein, 

most of its population flocked thither. Early in 1827, 

Rev. George Dana Boardman opened a mission in 
32 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 33 

Moulmein, land for its use having been offered by 
Sir Archibald Campbell. Times had changed, and now 
the English power in India was the warmest friend of 
missionaries. The following year the Boardmans went 
to Tavoy and began the Karen mission, while Mr. 
Judson and the Wades removed to Moulmein, leaving 
Amherst lonely and deserted. But it will ever be a 
sacred spot to American Christians as the last resting 
place of Ann Hasseltine Judson. 

The Moulmein mission prospered greatly. No fear of 
persecution hindered. A school was soon established, 
public worship begun, and zayats erected at various 
points for personal contact with the people. Inquirers 
multiplied, and between January and September, 1828, 
twenty-one were baptized. About this time, Mr. Judson 
gave to the Board in Boston his entire property of six 
thousand dollars, in a note signed simply, "A Mission- 
ary." His services to both the English and Burman 
Governments had been acknowledged by generous gifts, 
and this, with his other possessions, he now laid on the 
altar of missions. 

In 1826, the headquarters of the Board were changed 
from Philadelphia to Boston. During the two years of 
the war, no tidings had come from the missionaries in 
Burma, and intense anxiety prevailed. When the news 
of their marvelous deliverance came, a thrill of grateful 
joy pervaded the denomination. The story of their ter- 



34 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

rible sufferings was on every tongue. Missionary zeal 
was intensified, new candidates oflered themselves, and 
plans for immediate reinforcement and enlargement were 
laid. 

All this time, Mr. Judson was, busy at work which no 
other man could do : preaching, writing — especially 
translating. In 1829, came Mr. Cephas Bennett, a 
printer, to Moulmein, bringing a press, which was 
greatly needed. In 1830, the Wades ventured back 
to Eangoon, followed by Mr. Judson, who always best 
loved the scene of his earliest labors. The printed 
gospel was eagerly received by the people, and the 
little church was gathered once more. Mr. Judson 
spent three and a half months in Prome, sowing good 
seed, although he was not allowed to stay to reap the 
harvest. Returning to Rangoon, he devoted himself to 
the great work of his life : the translation of the entire 
Scriptures into Burman. Constantly interrupted, he 
toiled in the early morning hours, and until mid- 
night. 

In March, 1831, at a great Buddhist festival, which 
drew people from the remotest parts of the empire, was 
seen wonderful evidence of widespread interest in the 
new religion, and of the powerful influence exerted by 
the printed gospel. The cry was for books. " Give us 
writings ! " " Pray, give us the writing that tells there 
is an eternal hell, and but one way to escape from it ! " 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 35 

Others would come asking, "Are you Jesus Christ's man? 
Give us a writing that tells about Jesus Christ ! " From 
the most distant points would come this pleading, and 
the applicants for books and tracts at the mission house 
were numbered by the thousands. 

Eighteen years had now passed since the arrival of the 
Judsons in Burma. Then the outlook was dark and dis- 
couraging; now there were four well-manned stations. 
The printing press had sent out millions of gospel laden 
pages, which had been scattered as on the wings of the 
wind. A mighty victory seemed at hand, and the sound 
of it thrilled the Baptists at home. Contributions had 
quadrupled, and at the close of 1831, nineteen new mis- 
sionaries had volunteered to join the ranks in Burma. 

The next year is remarkable as the one in which the 
first single woman was appointed a foreign missionary. 
Sarah Cummings landed in Burma, January, 1833. She 
has left behind a brief but wonderful record of heroic 
endeavor. A station had been planted in the wilderness 
at Chummerah. Before she had time to acquire the lan- 
guage, she voluntarily took her Burman teacher and 
went alone to this solitary outpost, sixty miles inland. 
In all that distance there was not a soul that could speak 
English. The loneliness and danger of her position were 
little less than frightful at that early day. Her home 
was a cottage of leaves ; her surroundings altogether 
pagan, save for the few converts. A church was organ- 



36 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

ized and cared for by native assistants under her direc- 
tion. Imagine her busy life : studying the language, super- 
intending the school, ministering to the sick, meeting 
inquirers, — all in a climate so deadly that the mission- 
aries besought her to leave. But believing that God had 
chosen her post of duty, she stayed by it until smitten by 
jungle fever. She took boat to Moulmein, but died in 
August, 1834. 

January 31, 1834, is a date memorable to all eternity. 
Upon that day, Mr. Judson finished the translation of 
the Bible into the Burman tongue. Seven years were 
spent in revising it, and it now stands the most perfect 
work of its kind, and seems destined to be the standard 
Scripture for Burma. 

In April of the same year, Mr. Judson married Mrs. 
Sarah Boardman. She was a worthy successor to Ann 
H. Judson. Her intellect was of a high order, and she 
was a true poet, as well as an earnest missionary. 

The succeeding years were marked by steady growth. 
The Burmans were slow to accept the gospel ; but once 
convinced, they became steadfast converts. As soon as 
the revision of the Burman Bible was completed, Dr. 
Judson began the preparation of a Burman dictionary. 
His health had given way. His lungs were diseased, 
causing loss of voice, so that preaching was impossible. 
Therefore, he turned to literary labor as another branch 
of his beloved work. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 37 

Mrs. Judson's health was also gradually failing. Sick- 
ness attacked the children, and it became imperative to 
go to America. In April, 1845, eleven years after their 
marriage, they embarked for London. At the Isle of 
France, Mrs. Judson seemed better, and it was decided 
that Mr. Judson should return to Burma, leaving her to 
go on alone. But a severe relapse forbade this, and 
they took a ship bound directly for the United States. 
In sight of St. Helena she died, and was buried on its 
rocky shores. Lonely and desolate, Dr. Judson proceeded 
on his way, and in October arrived in Boston with his 
motherless children. 

He had been away thirty-three years. Everything 
was changed. The nation had leaped from childhood to 
maturity. After his long residence in the conservative 
East, what wonder that he was bewildered? In his 
humility, he did not dream of the honors he had won ; 
and the ovations, everywhere offered, astonished and 
troubled him. The people were ready to do him rever- 
ence. But his heart was in Burma, and in a year he 
was ready to sail once more, having married Miss Emily 
Chubbuck, of Hamilton, New York, known to the liter- 
ary world as Fannie Forrester. 

They sailed in 1846. But his life-work was nearly 
ended. For four years he worked on the Burman dic- 
tionary, besides having general oversight of the mission. 
Too feeble to preach, he was yet a tower of strength. 



38 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

He fought death for months, that he might complete 
his last great work. He was permitted to finish the 
English Burman portion, published in January, 1850. 
This done, he sank rapidly. Sea air failed to revive 
him. On the 12th of April, thq heart that had loved, 
suffered, and bled for Burma, stopped beating, and the 
remains of Adoniram Judson were committed to the 
Indian Ocean. But, although he sleeps under no hopia 
tree, and no marble memorial marks his grave, his 
monument is in the hearts of converted Burmans. 

QUESTIONS. 

1 . What important result of the Burman war ? 

2. Where was the mission removed, and why ? 

3. Give circumstances of Mrs. Judson's death. 

4. What second bereavement followed ? 

5. What second removal became necessary ? 

6. W T ho established the mission in Moulmein ? 

7. What other missionaries had come ? 

8. What new station was opened in 1828, and by whom ? 

9. Give facts regarding Moulmein mission. 

10. What generous gift to the Board from Dr. Judson ? 

11. What changes in the headquarters of the Board in 1826 ? 

12. Describe the suspense in America during the Burman War, 
and its results. 

13. What printer began his half-century's work in Burma, and 
when? 

14. What year was the Rangoon mission re-opened, and by 
whom? 

15. Where did Dr. Judson labor for several months ? 

16. What was the great work of his life? 

17. Describe the Buddhist festival at Rangoon. 

18. Give summary of eighteen years' work. 

19. Tell the story of the first single lady missionary. 

20. What memorable date in 1834, and why ? 

21. What was the date of Mr. Judson's second marriage? 

22. Describe Sarah B. Judson. 

23. W T hat characteristic is shown by the Burmans ? 

24. What was Dr. Judson's second great work ? 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 39 

25. Describe loss of health of Dr. and Mrs. Judson. 

26. Give circumstances of Mrs. Judson's death and burial. 

27. Describe Dr. Judson's arrival and experiences in America. 

28. What was the date of his third marriage ? 

29. Describe Emily C. Judson. 

30. When and where did Dr. Judson die ? 

SUPPLEMENTAEY HEADINGS. 

BOOKS. 

Life of Dr. Judson. Our Gold Mine, pages 119-121. Mission- 
ary Memorials. Lives of Sarah B. and Emily C. Judson. Mission- 
ary Sketches, by Dr. S, F. Smith. 



CHAPTER VI. 

VARIED EXPERIENCES. ENLARGEMENT. 

A T Dr. Judson's request, the completion of the 
-*--*- dictionary was given into the hands of Rev. E. 
A. Stevens. The Burman English portion was published 
in 1852 ; the entire work furnishing a most important 
aid for future missionaries. 

A number of years before this, a Burman theological 
school had been started in Moulmein by Mr. Stevens. 
This had been suspended from 1841 to 1844, during 
which time was begun the publication of the ' ; Religious 
Herald," a monthly paper for the Burmans, which is 
still continued at Rangoon. The theological school was 
afterward revived, and was a great blessing in training 
native preachers. In 1846, there were eight students. 
Moulmein was the centre of the Burman missions. Mr. 
Haswell also labored for the Taligns, who were numerous 
about the city. 

In 1845, a combination of circumstances in America 

led the Southern brethren to withdraw, and organize the 

Southern Baptist Convention. This made necessary the 

re-organization of the Northern forces, which resulted 

in the formation of the American Baptist Missionary 
40 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 41 

Union. It went into operation under its new charter 
in May, 1846. All the missionaries, save one, remained 
under the direction of the Missionary Union. 

One very happy event connected with this change 
was the wiping out of the troublesome debt, which had 
hampered all missionary operations for some years. 
Many feared disastrous results from this division of 
forces, but the result has shown a larger measure of 
work accomplished. 

In 1851, began the second Burman war with England. 
This brought the province of Pegu under British control. 
Rangoon is its chief seaport, which, together with a great 
extent of surrounding country, was now thrown open to 
the gospel. This made enlargement of the work impera- 
tive, and the Board appropriated fifteen thousand dollars 
additional the first year. A Deputation was also sent out 
in 1852, one of whom was Solomon Peck, d. d., Secretary 
of the Board. It was to look over the field, and after 
conference with the missionaries decide certain vexed 
questions, and ascertain what onward movements were 
practicable. 

The Rangoon mission, after a lapse of sixteen years, 
was re-opened by Messrs. Kincaid and Dawson, the latter 
a physician, fitting up a hospital. A little later came 
Mr. and Mrs. Ingalls. Fifteen members were found, 
with which to re-organize the Rangoon church. 

All the Burman missionaries were called to Moulmein 



42 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

in April, 1853, to meet the Deputation. The six weeks' 
conference covered every point relating to missionary 
labor. Notwithstanding some inevitable differences of 
opinion, there is no doubt that the cause was helped 
forward many years. 

New fields were selected as the basis of future opera- 
tions, and the charge of the printing press was given into 
the hands of a publication committee Permanent Bur- 
man stations were planted at Eangoon, Bassein, Henzada, 
Prome, Toungoo, and Shwegyen. The boundary line of 
Burman dominion was north of Prome. Messrs. Kincaid 
and Simons began work in this city in 1854. One month 
after the first service three converts were baptized. The 
seed sown by Dr. Judson, during his brief sojourn in 
Prome, twenty-two years before, was found to have taken 
root. In 1857, an entire Baptist village was discovered, 
that had become Christian as a result of tracts and 
Scriptures scattered by his hand. The work in Prome 
early became strong and successful. In July, 1856, one 
hundred Burmans had been baptized. In 1858, a. gifted 
young priest had renounced the yellow robe of his order, 
and was baptized on confession of his simple faith in 
Christ. 

The mission had times of trial. Twice was the zayat 
burned, and also in 1861 a beautiful teak chapel, used 
only five months. In 1858, the Chins came into notice, 
and converts were won from among them. The year the 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 43 

chapel was burned a Shan and many Burmans were 
converted. 

At Rangoon there was an immediate harvest upon re- 
opening the station. Since the time that Judson's feet 
first trod its streets, too much seed had been sown, 
watered with bitter tears, to make any other result pos- 
sible. The fear of persecution being removed, the word 
of the Lord had free course. A fine brick chapel, cost- 
ing fifteen thousand dollars, was dedicated in 1859. 

Bassein was chiefly a Karen field. Rev. Mr. Douglass 
was sent to the Burmans in 1854. He labored faithfully 
with but a single furlough until 1869. In 1859, a Bur- 
man church of nine members was organized, and soon 
after others at outstations in the district. 

Until 1858, Shwegyen was wholly a Karen station. At 
that time Rev. G. P. "Watrous began a Bur man depart- 
ment, but changes and loss of workers forced its abandon- 
ment for many years. 

Rev. A. R. R. Crawley founded the Burman mission 
in Henzada in 1853. A native preacher from Prome 
was his assistant for a time. Two of the first converts 
were sent from house to house, giving tracts, and telling 
their glad, new story. In ten years seventy-five Bur- 
mans had been baptized. 

A Burman mission was begun at Toungoo, under 
charge of a native preacher, but no American missionary 
came to this department for many years. 



44 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

The work was also making progress at Moulmein. 
Rev. J. R. Haswell, whose long terra of faithful service 
began in 1840, was senior missionary. In 1868, he was 
stricken with palsy, from overwork, and with his wife 
sailed for America. Burma mourned his absence, but 
his burning words of appeal to American Christians 
kindled missionary enthusiasm. Eloquently did his 
poor, palsied arm tell of crushing burdens bravely borne, 
even at the cost of physical wreck. Not content to rest, 
he returned in 1869. Seven years more were given him 
for Burma, and then he went home, September 13, 1876. 
His grave, like all missionary graves, tells daily of love 
faithful unto death. 

Mr. Ingalls' work was fruitful, but brief. After his 
beautiful home-going, Mrs. Ingalls devoted herself ar- 
dently to the labors his hands had dropped. The fol- 
lowing vivid glimpse is taken from " Our Gold Mine " : 

" All through the years that followed, we find her, 
now visiting districts where no white woman had ever 
been seen, and talking to groups that gathered round her 
so closely that she could scarcely breathe, then sitting in 
the zayat of a Burman priest, to encourage her assistants 
who discussed and silenced him, visiting feeble churches, 
directing inquirers, rejoicing in conversions, or mourning 
over apostates ; then for a while making her home alone 
with the natives in one of those out-stations, and a few 
years later, when the church had grown to forty-five 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 45 

members, locating herself in a little shanty, a nest of 
scorpions, and many smaller creatures, superintending 
the building of a mission chapel." 

Here and there she gathered a sheaf from Judson's 
work in Ava. One old lady who ministered to Mrs. 
Judson while her husband was in the death prison, and 
heard from her lips the gospel story, came in later years 
to be taught further by Mrs. Ingalls, and joyfully pro- 
fessed the faith taught by the " beautiful white teach- 
eress " at Ava. 

In 1859, Rev. J. R. Haswell, Jr, with his wife, sailed 
for Burma, to be associated with his father. In 1860, the 
first Barman Association was held in Thongze. In 1862, 
the printing presses were removed from Moulmein to 
Rangoon, accompanied by Cephas Bennett, for more than 
half a century its efficient superintendent. In October, 
1865, was organized the Burman Baptist Missionary 
Convention, composed of Baptists of all nationalities. 
Its object was the evangelization of the numerous races 
of Burma. At its second anniversaiy, in 1867, ninety- 
one members were present, and $496.25 was reported 
as collected and expended for native evangelizing 
agencies. 

Miss Susie Haswell was this year appointed to take 
charge of a girl's school in Moulmein, established by her 
father. This was an anticipation of similar work done 
by the woman's societies a little later. 



46 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Rev. E. O. Stevens was sent to Prome in 1866. The 
year before Dr. Kincaid had returned with his family to 
the United States, bidding Burma a last farewell, after 
thirty-five years of missionary life. His daring, adven- 
turous spirit had found full scope in wide and aggressive 
missionary explorations. 

In 1867, we find the first tabulated statistics of the 
Burman missions, illustrating the growth from Judson's 
beginning. From the seven stations of Rangoon, Moul- 
mein, Bassein, Henzada, Prome, Tavoy, and Thongze, 
were reported twenty-four members, nine ordained 
preachers, fifteen churches, seven hundred and eighty 
members, six hundred and fifty pupils in mission schools, 
and a contribution of one thousand seven hundred and 
fifty-four rupees. (A rupee is about thirty-five cents.) 
In 1869, fifty years from the baptism of the first Burman 
convert, the number of members in Burman Baptist 
churches was nine hundred and eighty-five. Mr. Doug- 
lass died in Bassein, in March, 1869, greatly lamented. 
Rev. M. Jameson and wife arrived the next year. A 
wonderful movement became manifest among the Bur- 
mans at Bassein. 

This same year, the Henzada work took on new inter- 
est. Mr. and Mrs. George arrived, and Miss Adams 
removed from Thongze. The school work grew rapidly 
on her hands. An impression seemed to have been made 
on the stonv soil of Burman hearts. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 47 

QUESTIONS. 

1. Who completed the Burman Dictionary ? Date of publi- 
cation ? 

2. Give facts regarding Bnrman Theological Seminary. 
.3. What was the centre of Baptist missions ? 

4. For what people did Mr. Haswell labor ? 

5. What division of forces took place in America in 1842 ? 

6. What names did the two organizations assume? 

7. What favorable conditions resulted ? 

8. What were the results of the second Burman War? 

9. What was the office of the Deputation ? 

10. What changes resulted in Burma ? 

11. Where was the new boundary line of Burman dominion? 

12. Describe early work in Prome. 

13. What tribe came first into notice in 1858? 

14. W T hat followed the re-opening of the mission at Rangoon ? 

15. Give account of early Burman work in Bassein. 

16. When was Burman work begun in Shwegyeu ? 

17. Who founded the Henzada Mission, and in what year ? De- 
scribe the work. 

18. Sketch Dr. Haswell's labor. 

19. Tell the story of Mrs. Ingall's heroic work. 

20. Give principal events from 1859 to 1865, 

21. When was the Burman Baptist Convention organized, of 
whom was it composed, and what was its object ? 

22. What was accomplished through its work in two years ? 

23. To what work was Miss Susie Haswell appointed ? 

24. What is said of Dr. Kincaid, and who took his place at 
Prome ? 

25. Give statistics, illustrating growth of the Burman mission. 

26. Relate occurrences at Bassein. 

27. What encouragement at Henzada ? 

SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS. 

BOOKS. 

Our Gold Mine, pages 230-240. Missionary Sketches. 



CHAPTER VII. 

HELPING HAN±>S. 

EAVING Burma, we turn to America, to note a 
-*-* most significant movement — Baptist women, East 
and West, organized to aid in the work for women in 
heathen lands. The causes that led to this action had 
been operating for many years. Woman's societies had 
already been formed in three denominations, and, the 
Woman's Union Missionary Society had done a great 
and blessed work. There were obvious reasons why 
Baptist women should labor along denominational lines, 
and in connection with the Missionary Union. Baptist 
fields needed the help that such an organization could 
give. Land, houses, school buildings, chapels, were 
available, and printing presses ready to aid in this 
special work. The name of the Missionary Union would 
be a tower of strength to this new organization. 

The first open discussion of the matter was in 1870. 
A year later, the officers of the Missionary Union signi- 
fied their hearty approval. The Society of the East, 
with headquarters at Boston, was formed April 3, 1871. 
Its first President was Mrs. Gardiner Colby ; Secretary, 

Mrs. M. H. Bixby. The Society of the West, with head- 

48 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 49 

quarters at Chicago, was organized the following May. 
President, Mrs. Robert Harris ; Secretary, Mrs. C. F. 
Tolman. Both were organized upon the same plan, 
strictly auxiliary to the Missionary Union, with the east- 
ern boundary of Ohio as their dividing line. 

At the National Anniversaries in Chicago, May, 1871, 
the two societies were formally presented to the Mission- 
ary Union as helpers in its great work, and accepted by 
that body. 

A broad field of labor lay before the two societies. It 
would be interesting to trace their work, step by step, 
from small beginnings to the grand results of the present 
time. Two cents a week from every Baptist woman is 
the end in view. But the record of the Woman's Boards 
is so interwoven with that of the Missionary Union, that 
it cannot be separated. Like a thread of gold, it runs 
through all. Most of the medical work, the teachers for 
mission schools, many of the schools themselves, may be 
understood as contributed by these helpers. Their 
workers are sent out as missionaries of the Union, their 
support being furnished by the woman's societies. 

They have also been an educational power at home, 
through their publications, their local organizations, 
their inspiring quarterly and annual convocations. 
Their influence is like leaven, working in the hearts of 
the people around their hearthstones. The result in 
general foreign missionary interest is incalculable. The 

D 



50 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

first missionary sent out by the Eastern Board was Miss 
Kate Evans, associated with Mrs. Ingalls, at Thongze. 
The Western Society sent Miss A. L. Stevens to Bassein, 
as their first representative, and adopted Miss Marie 
Bronson at Nowgong, and Mrs. Scott, at Gauhati. 
The Eastern Board also assumed the support of Miss 
Susie Haswell, at Moulmein ; Miss Adams, at Henzada ; 
and Miss Gage, at Kangoon. All subsequent work will 
be reported in connection with the current history of the 
various missions. Dr. Stevens, at Rangoon, still con- 
tinued his class of Burman theological students. This 
was the great work of his life. In 1872, Mr. Crawley, 
and Miss Adams, of Henzada, were compelled to recruit 
in America. In December of this year, Mrs. Ingalls 
and Miss Evans visited Mandalay, the royal city. They 
early sought an interview with the first queen, that Mrs. 
Ingalls might present her with an autograph Bible, sent 
by her hand from Queen Victoria. Having obtained 
audience, Mrs. Ingalls carried the English Bible, in its 
beautiful white satin case, while Miss Evans bore Jud- 
son's Burman Bible. The queen graciously accepted the 
books, and the fact that the white teachers had been 
admitted to the " golden face/' gave them opportunity to 
sow much precious seed in Mandalay. 

In 1873, the Moulmein mission was reinforced by the 
arrival of Mrs. Douglass and Mrs. Longley. Miss 
Helen Watson was sent to Henzada, and Rev. F. H. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 51 

Eveleth to Toungoo. Dr. Haswell, at Moulmein, too 
feeble for general mission work, prepared tracts in the 
Talign. His first missionary labors were among this 
people, and besides his wife, he was the only missionary 
that understood their language. The Henzada Chris- 
tians were rejoiced to welcome back Mr. and Mrs. 
Crawley. 

When the railroad enters a country, its sleep of ages 
is broken. The Rangoon and Prome Railroad was 
begun in 1874, thereby opening up the Irrawaddy valley, 
and preparing the way, not only for Western progress, 
but also for the gospel of Christ. Rev. H. W. Hale and 
wife reached Shwegyen the same year, the first mission- 
ary to the Burmans at this station. Miss Myra Stetson 
came to Moulmein, to assist Miss Haswell in her large 
and flourishing girls' school. 

Owing to nearly total deafness, the younger Mr. Haswell, 
in Moulmein, devoted himself almost entirely to transla- 
tion and public addresses. A new mission station was 
opened at Kemmendine, a suburb of Rangoon, in 1874. 
Mr. Rose was actively at work in Rangoon and the sur- 
rounding country. His specialty seemed to be mission- 
ary tours. 

In February of this year, all the mission buildings at 
Sonnway, a station in Mrs. Ingalls' Thongze field, — 
chapel, dwelling house, parsonage, and zayat, — were 
burned. One of these buildings was restored, only to be 



52 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

burned down again within a year. Despite these clouds, 
there was the sunshine of spiritual prosperity. Dr. 
Stevens, of .Rangoon, worn and weary, returned to 
America. 

In 1875, the joyful news of revival came from Moul- 
mein. The interest soon spread to Henzada, where a 
wonderful work of grace rejoiced the hearts of Mr. 
George and Mr. Crawley. 

In June, the commodious building for the girls' 
school at Kemmendine, the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Cephas 
Bennett, was formally opened. This same year, Mr. 
Rose made a trip to Mandalay and Bhamo, in Upper 
Burma, with two missionaries of the China Inland Mis- 
sion. He was well received by the king, and was greatly 
impressed with the advantageous situation of Bhamo for 
a mission station. The w r ork at Henzada resulted in the 
opening of a new station at Zigon, in the heart of the 
" revival district," situated on the railroad, forty miles 
from Thongze. 

Mrs. Jameson died at Bassein, July 10, 1875, after a 
missionary life of five years. 

A third time, in 1876, did the fire scourge pass over 
Mrs. Ingalls in her new location, taking everything but 
the chapel. Personal belongings, letters, accounts, and 
two valuable manuscript translations were lost. But her 
brave heart, though sorrowful, was not daunted, and with 
her usual energy she set about repairing her losses. A 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 53 

month later, she had sent out some of her pupils as 
teachers, crowded the others into every available accom- 
modation, divided the chapel by mat partitions into 
quarters for herself, Miss Evans, and the boarding-school 
girls, put one hundred dollars and the work of the teach- 
ers and preachers on a new schoolhouse, re-opened the 
school and the weekday religious meetings. By another 
month the hasty arrangement proved unhealthful. The 
schoolhouse, when built, was far too small. Enlarged, it 
was still too small. Some pupils must be dismissed. The 
situation might well discourage the bravest heart. No 
house, no dormitories, no books, no school furniture or 
apparatus, nothing but naked and empty hands to begin 
the work anew. 

Two months, and it was time for home relief to come. 
But it was strangely delayed, and the suspense and per- 
plexity almost crushed Mrs. Ingalls. But at last the 
new buildings went up and comparative comfort returned. 
During this time of fiery trial fourteen were baptized. 
It was a year of troubles and a year of blessings. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. What significant movement began in 1871 ? 

2. Describe organization of the Woman's Society of the East. 

3. Society of the West. 

4. What is their relation to the Missionary Union ? 

5. What is their special work abroad? 

6. What mission do they fulfill at home ? 

7. Who were the first missionaries of the Eastern Board ? 

8. Who the first of the Western Board? 

9. What was the great work of Dr. Stevens' life ? 



54 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

10. Describe Mrs. Ingalls' visit to Mandalay. 

11. State special events in 1873. 

12. When was the first railroad opened in Burma? 

13. To what field were the Hales assigned? 

14. What was the work of the younger Mr. Haswell ? 

15. What was Mr. Rose's missionary specialty? 

16. Give account of the Thongze fire. 

17. What joyful news in 1875? 

18. What beautiful gift did the girls' school at Kemmendine 
receive ? 

19. Describe Mr. Rose's tour to Upper Burma. 

20. What new station was opened on the old Henzada field ? 

21. Describe Mrs. Ingalls' third fire. 

SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS. 
Missionary Sketches. 

LEAFLETS. 

Twenty Years' Gleaning; or, History of Society of the East. 
Twenty Years' History of Society of the West. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

SORROW AND JOY. 

rTIHE year 1876 brought changes to Moulmein. Miss 
-■- Stetson's work was closed almost as soon as it was 
begun.. A cold, contracted on the way to Burma, laid 
the foundation of fatal disease. She went home to die 
in November, just two years after her appointment by 
the Woman's Board. Her brief stay was a blessing and 
a benediction to all who were associated with her. 

For a number of years, Rev. J. R. Haswell edited the 
" Burman Messenger," and did valuable work in trans- 
lation. Mr. W. H. S. Hascall came from Rangoon to 
itinerate, and do special evangelizing labor. Miss Has- 
well's school received high commendation from the 
English Chief Commissioner. Miss Sheldon came as her 
associate in 1877. The revival spirit was present in 
Rangoon. 

The report from Henzada district was a most joyful 

one. Notwithstanding the ill health of the missionaries, 

a wonderful harvest was gathered. Eighty-six were 

baptized during the year. Mr. and Mrs. George, and 

Miss Watson removed to Zigon to care for the white 

harvest of souls. 

55 



56 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Rev. Thomas Simons, the veteran at Prome, died in 
February, 1876. He spent forty-five years in Burma, 
with but a single furlough. Thus ended another conse- 
crated life. Dr. Harwell's last seven years of service 
closed September 13. Taligns and Burmans bless his 
memory. 

Another name was on the death roll of the Burman 
mission this same year. Mr. Crawley died in October 
on his way home. Reaching Burma in 1854, he founded 
the Henzada station, where they were gathering rich 
harvests at the time of his death. He gave his life for 
Burma, and departed in the prime of a noble man- 
hood. 

The little Burman church in Tavoy had been without 
a missionary for many years. This year, Mr. Hascall 
spent much time in the district, and found the band of 
eight members steadfast. A Burman Christian woman 
left money to build a chapel costing a thousand dollars ; 
a notable thing in this land of despised womanhood. 
The Rangoon church rejoiced over the return of Dr. 
and Mrs. Stevens. Mrs. Bailey, formerly Miss Adams, 
returned this year to her beloved Henzada pupils. 

Mr. George wrote from the " revival district " : " My 
great trouble is to provide pastoral care. Of those who 
go astray, most go for want of some one to guide them. 
What am I to do ? I go from village to village all I can, 
but a visit of a few days is of little importance in most 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 57 

cases. I am afraid to baptize converts, and afraid to re- 
fuse. Oh, that God would send me true pastors, called 
by himself, to feed these newborn babes with the sincere 
milk of the word ! " 

Another railroad opened near Thongze gave Mrs. 
Ingalls opportunity for a new work : the distributing 
of tracts and books at the station and in the cars. 
With the co-operation of the officials, she soon had a 
railway library and reading room, which was a means of 
good to the employees. 

Henzada was left without a missionary in 1877, and 
continued so for many years. Mr. and Mrs. E. O. 
Stevens returned to Prome, accompanied by Miss Brom- 
ley. Mrs. and Miss Haswell returned to America, leav- 
ing Miss Sheldon in charge of the girls' school. A 
little later she was joined by Miss Payne. Miss Watson 
became Mrs. Hancock, continuing, however, her relations 
with the Woman's Board. This year, the Hancocks 
were the only missionaries in Zigon, the Georges being 
absent on furlough. 

Watching the course of events in Burma from year to 
year, it is evident the Burman churches were growing — 
assuming a larger share of expense and responsibility 
regarding their own religious and educational institu- 
tions. The Burman Baptist Convention held annual 
meetings, reporting such systematic and efficient work as 
would do credit to a body of American Christians. 



58 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

The Hascalls sickened and left Moulmein in April, 
1880. The work was temporarily assumed by Mr. and 
Mrs. Hale, of Shwegyen. A hospital was opened in the 
city by Dr. Ellen Mitchell and Miss A. M. Barkey. At 
Rangoon, Dr. Stevens had two theological classes in 
1879. A Burman Concordance was published, and the 
'•'Burman Messenger" continued. Mr. and Mrs. Manley 
arrived in November. Mr. Rose spent several months in 
Mandalay, where much was accomplished, in spite of 
political troubles. 

In 1880, Mr. Manley became pastor of the English 
church. The Telugu and Tamil work was very promis- 
ing, and "he began the study of Telugu. The next year 
a church was organized, and a pastor ordained, whom 
they supported, although poor. 

The Kemmendine Girls' School was grandly success- 
ful, and the teachers, Misses Rathbun and Buel, showed 
great courage in maintaining their position. Imagine 
them in charge of a school of a hundred girls, in 
combustible buildings, cholera and smallpox prevalent, 
snakes and mad dogs " almost chronic," and no mission- 
ary or white man within a mile, and the nearest doctor 
five miles away ! 

This year, Mr. Eveleth was transferred to Toungoo, 
and the Shan and Burman church divided. Miss 
Upham was put in charge of the Burman school. Mr. 
Jameson married Miss Walling, and in 1881 went to 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 59 

America for needed change, leaving Bassein without a 
Bur man missionary. 

After over fifty years service as superintendent of the 
mission press, Kev. Cephas Bennett retired in 1881. He 
did mission work as truly as those engaged in direct 
evangelizing labor. 

The year 1881 was also a notable one, in that the old 
trade route between Burma and China was re-opened, and 
that, by means of a station planted by the China Inland 
Mission at Tali, in the southwestern province of Yunnan, 
China, the chain of mission stations from India across 
the Chinese empire to the Pacific Ocean was completed : 
the dream of missionaries since missions began. 

Miss Susie Haswell, with her mother, returned this 
year to Moulmein. Mrs. Hasw T ell, as the only missionary 
understanding the Talign language, could do an import- 
ant work. Miss Evans being absent in America, Miss 
Elwin became Mrs. Ingalls' assistant in Thongze. 

Rev. E. W. Kelly and wife were sent to Moulmein in 
1882. Miss Haswell superintended general evangelizing 
work. A Telugu church of twenty members was formed, 
the outgrowth of special work by Dr. Mitchell. 

Mr. George returned to Zigon this year. He writes : 
" Henzada is in great peril. A few years more of neglect, 
and Crawley's life-work will be, to a great extent, 
lost." 

This great need was met a little later by Mr. Has call, 



60 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

on his return to Burma in 1883. Dr. Jameson also 
returned to Bassein, after several years absence. 

For some time the Burman mission at Tavoy was 
under the charge of a native preacher, who did faithful 
work and saved the little church from extinction. 

Mrs. Haswell died early in the next year, thus sever- 
ing the last link between the days of Judson and the 
present time. Mrs. Kelly died July 20, the youngest 
member of the mission following the oldest to the silent 
land. Still ]ater, the aged Burman pastor, Ko Shway A, 
ordained by Dr. Judson, and for thirty years shepherd 
of the Moulmein church, was called home. It was the 
death year in Moulmein annals. After her mother's de- 
parture, Miss Haswell removed to Amherst, the place of 
sacred memories. The medical work was proving a 
great help to the other departments. Dr. Stevens' 
theological class was both a satisfaction and a care. 
The work was exacting, but imperative in view of 
the dependence of Burma upon native evangelists and 
preachers. He also accomplished much valuable liter- 
ary labor and translation ; and although in the evening 
of life, was able to endure more labor than many a 

younger man. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. Sketch Miss Stetson's brief work. 

2. What was the Burman religious paper, and by whom edited? 

3. What glad report from Henzada ? 

4. What two veterans died in 1876 ? Tell particulars of their 
lives and work. 






BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 61 

5. Give facts regarding Mr. Crawley's life and death. 

6. What notable event in Tavoy ? 

7. Quote Mr. George's appeal. 

8. Describe Mrs. Ingalls' railroad work. 

9. What events in 1877 ? 

10. What progress evident from year to year? 

11. Where was the first medical work of the Woman's Board 
begun, and by whom ? 

12. What special events are noted at Kangoon ? 

13. What is said of the Telugu and Tamil work ? 

14. What of the Kemmendine Girls' School ? 

15. What of the length and efficiency of Cephas Bennett's super- 
intendency of the mission press ? 

16. What very significant event in 1881 ? 

17. What special work could Mrs. Haswell do ? 

18. W T hat events in Moulmein in 1882? 

19. What peril threatened Henzada, and how averted ? 

20. Who saved the Burman mission at Tavoy from extinction? 

21. What deaths at Moulmein in 1884? 

22. To what city did Miss Haswell transfer her work ? 

23. What is said of Dr. Stevens? 

SUPPLEMENTAKY HEADINGS. 
Missionary Sketches. Ocean Sketches, by Mrs. Ingalls. 



CHAPTEE IX. 

LATER YEARS. 

THE year 1886 was a significant one in Burman his- 
tory. The king was dethroned after a brief strug- 
gle, and all Burma came under English rule. This 
opened the entire country to the gospel. But the ex- 
cited state of public feeling made it a barren year for 
missionary effort. The great political changes engrossed 
the minds of the people, and they paid small attention to 
Christ's messengers. A vast field was opened to Ameri- 
can Baptists. Upper Burma, with its outlying tribes, 
almost untouched by the gospel, contained millions of 
souls perishing in heathen darkness. The emergency 
of the crisis appealed loudly to God's people. As soon 
as it was possible, Mr. Rose established a station in Man 
dalay. His heart had long been yearning over Upper 
Burma. Thither Mr. Kelly was transferred, a little later, 
having married Mary Van Meter, M. d. The mission- 
aries found numberless hindrances, and many encourage- 
ments. 

Mr. George died in Calcutta, August, 1886. His death 
was unexpected, and a great blow to the mission. Dr. 

E. A. Stevens was called higher in June, after a mission- 
62 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 63 

ary life extending over half a century. His work of 
training native preachers will leave a lasting impression 
in Burma. No less than nine different books bear his 
name as translator or author, beside Scripture revision, 
and much other literary work. His was a busy and 
useful life. 

Early in 1887, we find Eev. J. E. Cochrane at Moul- 
mein. Mr. Kelly, at Mandalay, was pushing the work 
energetically. A medical department was in charge of 
Mrs. Kelly. Mrs. Hancock located in the north part of 
the city, Miss Rathbun in the central, and the Kellys in 
the southern. A church was organized May 4. 

Many of the missionaries were in great danger from 
dacoits, but a loving Providence preserved them. Rev. 
F. P. Sutherland was sent to the vacant post in Zigon. 

In 1889, new names appear on the missionary roll. 
Rev. E. Tribolet and wife were sent to Tavoy, so long 
without a resident Burman missionary. There were many 
changes in Moulmein also. Rev. B. F. Turner, Rev. L. 
Q. Peabody and wife, Miss Agnes Whitehead, were 
laboring for the Burmans. Miss Ranney came to be 
with her grandmother, Mrs. Cephas Bennett, and to aid 
in missionary work. Mrs. Ingalls, so long at Thongze, 
took a greatly needed furlough, after twenty-two years 
continuous service. Miss Payne had entire charge of 
mission work in the ancient city of Pegu. Rev. J. E. 
Cummings and wife were stationed at Henzada, and Rev. 



64 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

H. H. Tilbe and wife at Pro me. Looking northward, a 
new station was formed at Myingyan by Rev. J. E. Case 
and wife, and a church organized October 20. Another 
new point was Sagaing, on the Irrawaddy river, opposite 
Ava. The Hascalls and Miss Phinney were placed in 
charge. Sickness compelled the Hascalls to leave, and 
Miss Phinney was appointed to other work. The Suther- 
lands were called from Zigon, in 1890, for this important 
field. 

A little later, and Mandalay mourned the death of 
Miss Rathbun. Mrs. Hancock's house, with all its con- 
tents, was burned, greatly hampering her work. 

In 1889, another station was opened at Meiktila, be- 
tween Toungoo and Mandalay, by Dr. and Mrs. Packer. 
It is a healthful and attractive location. Mr. Stevens 
returned to Burma in September, locating at Moul- 
niein. 

One event worthy of notice is the building of the Jud- 
son Memorial chapel at Mandalay. August 9, 1888, was 
the hundreth anniversary of the birth of Adoniram Jud- 
son. In commemoration of this event it was proposed to 
build a church near the site of his imprisonment, now 
included in the city of Mandalay, and two miles from 
Oung-pen-la. An appeal was made for ten thousand 
dollars for this purpose. The first twelve hundred dol- 
lars were contributed by an aged Burman woman, bap- 
tized by Dr. Judson. It was finished and dedicated 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 65 

November 2, 1890, Rev. E. O. Stevens preaching the 
sermon. 

The total cost was about eleven thousand dollars, of 
which four thousand dollars were raised in Burma. The 
Burman Baptist Missionary Convention was the first 
body to hold a session within its walls. 

Miss Edmunds took Miss Rathbun's work in Mandalay 
in 1890. We find a theological class for Bur mans and 
Ciiins at Prome. Mrs. Tribolet died in Tavoy, after a 
service of less than a year. A new edition of the Bur- 
man Bible was printed, using a smaller character, making 
the book a royal octavo in a single volume, rather than 
in four, as in the old edition. The translation is Dr. 
Judson's, this edition having corrections noted by Judson 
himself, inserted in the text by the careful hand of Dr. 
Stevens. 

Mr. Eveleth returned to Burma in December, assigned 
to Sandoway, the Sanitarium of the old Arakan province, 
and hitherto without a Burman missionary. The force 
at Mandalay was increased in the latter part of 1890 by 
Rev. L. H. Mosier. 

The visit of Dr. Mabie, in 1891, was a source of com- 
fort and inspiration. He visited some associations, and 
as many stations as his limited time would permit. The 
summary of the work in 1891 gives the membership in 
Burman churches as two thousand one hundred and 

four. There are fifty missionaries, engaged in actual labor 

E 



66 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

on the field, sixty native preachers, fourteen of whom are 
ordained. The work among the Burmans and Chins in 
Arakan is developing rapidly. A harvest of souls is 
gratefully reported, one hundred and eleven having been 
baptized. In Mandalay a new and comfortable house 
has been erected for Mrs. Hancock and her associate, 
Miss Ulery. A hospital for Mrs. Kelly's medical work 
has been provided by the Society of the East. Bhamo, 
valuable as a strategic point, is at last well manned. The 
needs are great, and the fields are white to harvest. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. What significant event in Burma in 1886 ? 

2. Why was it a barren year for missionary effort? 

3. W T hat responsibility was thrown upon American Baptists? 

4. What station did Mr. Eose establish ? 

5. Sketch Mr. George's life and death. 

6. Give outline of Dr. Stevens' work, and date of death. 

7. Describe the work in Mandalay. 

8. To what danger were the missionaries exposed ? 

9. W T ho took up the work at Zigon ? 

10. What new names appear on the missionary roll in 1889 ? 

11. Give bird's-eye view of matters on the field. 

12. What sorrow and loss came to Mandalay ? 

13. Give account of new station in Upper Burma. 

14. Tell the storv of the Judson memorial in Mandalay. 

15. Who followed Miss Bathbun? 

16. Describe the new edition of the Burman Bible. 

17. Who assumed Burman mission work in Sandoway? 

18. What representative of the Missionary Union visited the 
field in 1891? 

19. Give summary of the work for 1890. 

SUPPLEMENTAKY BEADING. 

Baptist Missionary magazines for current years. (This maga- 
zine is the authority and fountain of all missionary information.) 



CHAPTER X. 

A FIRE KINDLED. 

FIFTEEN years after Adoniram Judson landed in 
Burma, the Karens came under the observation 
of the missionaries. George Dana Boardman established 
the Tavoy mission in 1828. A servant in his family 
was converted. An almost ungovernable temper delayed 
his baptism for a year, but giving ample proof of genuine 
conversion, Ko-thah-byu was baptized. Afterward, by 
remarkable missionary labors, he won the title of " Apostle 
to the Karens." This race to which he belonged was 
quite distinct from the Burmans. A despised mountain 
people, they were small in stature, more peaceable in 
disposition. Only Christianity can make the haughty 
Burman and simple Karen brothers. 

Ko-thah-byu went everywhere, proclaiming Christ's 
salvation to his people. They received the gospel with 
such gladness that Mr. Boardman made them the objects 
of his labor. Without religion, save demon worship, 
they were more easily reached than Buddha's followers. 
An ancient tradition taught that their sacred books, long 
lost, would be brought from the west by white men. In 

the coming of the missionary, they read the fulfillment. 

67 



68 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Two years was Mr. Boardman permitted to labor among 
the Karens, then the Master called him home. Rev. 
Francis Mason came in 1831, and the last effort of Mr. 
Boardman's life was to be carried two days journey to 
witness the baptism of thirty-four Karens, February 
9, 1831, by Mr. Mason. He died on the return to 
Tavoy. Mrs. Boardman remained three years to carry 
on his work, taking charge while the Masons learned the 
language. 

The Karens are subdivided into the Sgau, Pwo, Paku, 
Bghais, Red Karens, and other tribes, with different 
dialects and varying customs. The work began among 
the Sgaus. 

When Mr. Boardman died, seventy Karens had re- 
ceived baptism. The gospel quickly spread through the 
Tenasserim provinces, through the efforts of Ko-thah-byu 
and the missionaries. But heathen associations hindered 
the converts. Naturally a wandering race, advantage 
was taken of this to group them in Christian villages, 
which idea has since prevailed. In 1832, Rev. Jonathan 
Wade reduced the Sgau Karen language to written 
form, and books were prepared. 

Converts multiplied rapidly. From the first, they 
gave evidence of a missionary spirit, each one striving 
to spread the glad news among his countrymen. 

Ko-thah-byu was a born missionary. He pushed out 
over the mountains, and through the jungles, even into 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 69 

distant provinces. The Lord was with him, and converts 
came in almost daily, requesting baptism from far-off 
villages, the fruit of his labors. He was not remarkable 
for intellectual endowment, but was instrumental in 
bringing thousands to the knowledge of the true 
God. 

In 1834, the Tavoy church formed a missionary so- 
ciety, resolving to support two native preachers, doubling 
the effort the next year. Mr. Wade and family located 
in Tavoy in 1835. Mrs. Boardman had gone away as 
the wife of Dr. Judson. The next year Rev. and Mrs. 
Vinton came to Rangoon to labor among the Karens in 
the Pegu district. Ko-thah-byu had preceded them, and 
on the first visit of the missionaries, one hundred and 
seventy were baptized. 

A wonderful work followed among the Karens of the 
Pegu and Rangoon provinces. At first the Vintons 
traveled together, but the calls from distant villages were 
so pressing that they separated, and for twenty- four years 
worked in different directions. Jungle travel was far 
more arduous and dangerous than now, and Mrs. Vinton 
had many narrow escapes. 

Mr. Vinton was a man of strong faith and remarkable 
power in prayer. Before going to Burma, his record 
was notable in revival work. His earnestness and zeal 
bore fruit among the Karens. Mr. Kincaid, another 
ardent missionary, was sent to the Burmans, but as 



70 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

opportunity offered, he preached to the Karens also. 
Perhaps no man in Burma was more beloved. 

A large village of Christian Karens was formed in the 
Tavoy province. Its site was beautiful, and its name 
was Matah, or City of Love. It flourished greatly, and 
with its three hundred Christians, its homes, and its 
schools, it stood in the jungle as an object lesson of the 
uplifting power of the gospel. 

In 1836, a seminary was established at Tavoy, under 
charge of Mr. Wade, for training both Karen and Bur- 
man preachers. Of the first eighteen pupils, twelve were 
Karens. For a time the Karen books were all in manu- 
script, but in 1837 fonts of type were prepared and books 
printed. Missionary societies were formed at different 
points, which gathered funds for printing and other 
evangelical work. The Tavoy Society, in 1839, supported 
thirteen native preachers and several Karen schools. 

The Burmans bitterly persecuted the Christian Karens. 
In 1835, the hostility took active form in Kangoon. 
Fines, imprisonment, torture, death itself, were meted 
out to the helpless flock. The persecution scattered the 
disciples, and they fled into distant provinces, preaching 
as they went. The operations of the missionaries at 
Rangoon were suspended, although they remained at 
their post. But in the jungles and mountain recesses 
the gospel was winning its glorious way, and hundreds 
were turning to the true God. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 71 

Civil war added its horrors in 1837, but it could not 
stop God's work among the Karens. Rev. E. L. Abbott 
traveled through the districts of Maubee and Pantenau 
to Bassein. His journey was like a triumphal march. 
One of the converts was a promising young chief. The 
political troubles forced the missionaries to leave Burman 
dominions, and they went to Arakan for the protection 
of the British flag. News came in 1839 that this man 
was preaching continually, and that one thousand persons 
were waiting to be baptized. 

The Yoma Mountains separate this province from 
Burma. Messrs. Kincaid and Abbott sought to keep a 
watch over their distant flocks from behind the mount- 
ains. Mr. Abbott at Sandoway sent word to his Karens 
that their teacher was in Arakan. The Burmans jeal- 
ously watched the mountain passes, but despite their 
vigilance, large companies flocked across the hills for 
baptism and instruction. So many of the four thousand 
Karens in Burma fled to Arakan that the Burman gov- 
ernor, fearing their emigration in a body, issued a decree 
of religious liberty, which, however, was not to be trusted. 
The exiles in Arakan found freedom to worship God, 
but the deadly climate decimated their ranks. Cholera 
raged and claimed many victims. No pen can picture 
what these persecuted Karens suffered for conscience' 
sake. Mr. Abbott, alone and unaided, was crushed with 
the burden of caring for this devoted people from behind 



72 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

the hills of Arakan. It was a task for ten men. In a 
single year he buried his wife and two children. The 
climate was fever breeding, and in 1845 he was obliged 
to seek rest in America. 

The Karen work in Moulmein and Tavoy prospered. 
In 1840, we find the Vintons at Moulmein. The seven 
out-stations were entirely Karen. Mergui had become 
an important station, with six churches. The " Morning 
Star," a Karen paper, was begun in Tavoy in 1843, and 
continues until this day. It was afterward removed to 
Moulmein with the mission press, and has been a means 
of untold good. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. When, where, and by whom was the Karen Mission estab- 
lished? 

2. Tell the story of Ko-thah-byn. 

3. Who took the work from Boardman's dying hands? 

4. Describe Boardman's last journey into the wilderness. 

5. How many years did Mrs. Boardman remain in Tavoy to 
carry on his work ? 

6. Name the Karen subdivisions. 

7. Among which tribe did the work begin ? 

8. Why were the converts grouped in Christian villages? 

9. How did the Tavoy church show its missionary spirit ? 

10. What year did the Vintons begin their wonderful work ? 

11. How many were baptized on their first tour ? 

12. Did they journev in company ? 

13. What is said of Mr. Vinton ? 

14. What was Mr. Kincaid's relation to the Karens ? 

15. Give an account of Mata church. 

16. What seminary was established in 1836, and who was its 
founder ? 

17. W T hen was the earliest printing in Karen? 

18. What record of the Tavoy Missionary Society in 1839? 

19. Tell the story of persecution. 

20. In what year was the civil war ? 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 73 

21. Sketch the tour of Rev. E. L. Abbott. In what district? 

22. What is told of a young chief? 

23. Where did the political troubles drive the missionaries? 

24. What mountains separate Arakan from Burma? 

25. Describe the work of Messrs. Kincaid and Abbott. 

26. What pestilence raged among the Karen refugees ? 

27. Give an account of Mr. Abbott's sorrrowful experiences. 

28. Give events in 1840. 

29. Give an account of the Karen religious paper. 

SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS. 

Missionary Sketches. Life of Ko-thah-byu. Missionary Me- 
morials. (Mrs. Sarah B. Judson.) Our Gold Mine, pages 122-132. 

LEAFLETS. 

Early Mission Work among the Karens. The Karen Mission. 



CHAPTER XL 



JUNGLE VICTORIES. 



rTIHE rapid multiplication of Karen churches, and the 
-■- consequent need of native assistants, created an 
imperative call for a trained native ministry. Messrs. 
Abbott, Vinton, Wade, and Mason had done much in 
private classes. But it was not possible to do the needed 
work in this way. Dr. J. G. Binney was designated to 
establish and direct a Karen Theological Seminary. 
Mr. Abbott's eloquent appeals in America, and his ac- 
counts of the glorious work in Arakan, aided in bringing 
about this action. In 1846, the Seminary, under Dr. 
Binney, was opened at Moulmein, and a preparatory 
school at Tavoy, by Rev. E. B. Cross. At the end 
of the first year, thirty-six students were enrolled at 
Moulmein. 

Mr. Abbott returned to Burma in 1847. The work 
had been faithfully prosecuted by the native preachers 
left in charge. The two ordained ministers had baptized 
eleven hundred and fifty, while thirty-six native assist- 
ants reported twelve hundred awaiting baptism. 

In 1848, Messrs. Van Meter, Moore, and Benjamin 

were designated to the Karens at Moulmein, Sandoway, 

74 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 75 

and Tavoy. Previously, Mr. and Mrs. Harris had come 
to Moulrnein, Mr. and Mrs. Beecher to Arakan. Mrs. 
Binney had also established a Karen Normal Girls' 
School in Moulrnein. 

As the years passed, the Karen Theological Seminary 
gave evidence of thorough and valuable work. Theo- 
logical training classes, preparatory to the higher in- 
struction, were maintained at Tavoy and Sandoway. 

The disparity of results among Burmans and Karens 
was very striking. While much more of labor and 
money had been expended on Burmans, there were, at 
the close of 1847, six thousand and ninety-three Karen 
church members, to two hundred Burmans. Dr. Francis 
Mason writes : " I presume I have preached the gospel to 
more Burmans than Karens, and I have baptized about 
one Burman to fifty Karens. The reason of the great 
difference is the difference in the preparation of these two 
nations for the gospel. The Burmans are our Pharisees 
and Sadducees — the Karens our publicans and sinners." 

The " grace of giving " was from the first exemplified 
among the Karens. It was estimated that the Karen 
Christians of Tavoy were giving twice as much in pro- 
portion to their ability as American Baptists. Not only 
were chapels built, and native pastors supported, but ag- 
gressive foreign mission work carried on. In the Bassein 
district, since 1848, the Karen pastors have received 
their entire support from the churches. In 1850, a 



76 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Karen Home Mission Society was formed, entirely under 
Karen direction, and the determination expressed, to send 
out missionaries, till "every Karen family shall have 
seen the light of God." 

The Sgau Karens had the entire Scriptures in 1853, 
and the Pwo Karens the New Testament, besides much 
other literature. Never was the Bible more treasured 
than by this people. 

The second Burman War, in 1852, brought renewed 
suffering to the Karens. The Burmans suspected them 
of sympathy with the English, and perpetrated horrible 
cruelties. The English, after the conquest of Pegu, rec- 
ognized the valuable aid the Karens had given, and ac- 
corded them full protection. The centre of the Karen 
mission was removed from Sandoway to Bassein, by 
Messrs. Abbott and Van Meter. Here the Pwo Karens 
could be reached as well as the Sgaus, and they received 
the gospel readily. 

At the solemn six, weeks' deliberation of the mission- 
aries in Burma with the Deputation from America, in 
1853, the Karen interests occupied much of the time. 
Some decisions were made, which time has modified ; and 
a few of the missionaries refused to accept the rulings of 
the Deputation. This caused much conflict for many 
years, but time has healed all the differences. It cannot 
be denied that the general interests of the work were 
greatly advanced. It was decided that Rangoon, Bas- 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 77 

sein, Henzada, and Shwegyen were to be permanent 
Karen stations. Mergui was abandoned, becoming part 
of the Tavoy field. The Karen press was removed from 
Tavoy to Moulmein, which was henceforth to be the 
centre of publication for all Burma. Native agencies 
were encouraged ; normal and primary schools were to 
be, as far as possible, self-supporting. Boarding schools, 
and the teaching of English in mission schools, were not 
approved. The Seminary at Moulmein was to constitute 
a general Karen Theological School for all Burma. 

In consequence of the action of the Deputation, Messrs. 
Vinton and Harris, Miss Miranda Vinton, and a few 
others, withdrew from the service of the Missionary 
Union, although continuing in noble and effective service 
on the field. In 1854, the Theological Seminary, for a 
while suspended, was re-opened under charge of Dr. 
Wade. Kemmendine, a suburb of Rangoon, was made 
the headquarters of the Rangoon Sgau Karen Mission. 
The funds raised for the support of the Vintons, at this 
point and of other seceding missionaries, were transmitted 
through the Free Mission Society, as were those for 
Messrs Harris and Beecher, a little later. Mr. Hams, 
in Shwegyen, was afflicted by the death of his wife. He 
committed his motherless children to the care of Miss 
Miranda Vinton, just leaving for America. On her 
return, she became the wife of Mr. Harris. 

Dr. Mason, appointed to Toungoo, was only able to 



78 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

organize the station when he was compelled to go home, 
leaving the mission in charge of Sau Quala, an eminent 
Karen preacher. In two years, more than two thousand 
had been baptized. At every one of the five stations 
there was a blessed work. 

In the Kangoon district, twenty churches were formed^ 
and more than a thousand baptized the first year. Mr. 
Brayton, designated to the Pwo Karens of this district, 
settled at Donabew, as a point from which they were 
easily accessible. Little mission work had been done 
among this tribe. 

At Henzada, Mr. Thomas found willing listeners 
among a large Karen population, and signs of harvest 
appeared. 

In Moulmein, Dr. "Wade continued in charge of the 
Karen Theological Seminary until the return of Dr. 
Binney in I860. This institution had grown in value 
and importance with the rapid growth of the Karen 
missions. 

At Bassein, six hundred and forty-four baptisms were 
reported and self-support agreed upon. In their own 
words: "For preachers, pastors, and ordained ministers, 
we shall expend no more of the money of our American 
brethren." This principle of self-help prevailed at Tavoy, 
Toungoo, Shwegyen, and Henzada. The Moulmein Ka- 
rens are reaching this point more slowly. 

Sau Quala worked with marvelous results in Toungoo. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 79 

Pressing calls came from every quarter, and he plead 
with pathetic earnestness for a missionary. Mr. Whitaker 
went to take general charge of the field, while a graduate 
of the Theological Seminary was sent to assist Sau Quala. 
The number baptized under his incessant labors was 
nearly fifteen hundred. 

The Karens in certain provinces were deaf to the gospel. 
Such a region was that south of Tavoy. Wherever the 
Karens have received Buddhism, they reject Christianity. 
This hinders the work among many of the Pwos, and 
especially among the Burmans. 

August 15, 1857, Mr. Whitaker gave up his life for 
Toungoo. Fever, contracted in mountain tours, brought 
his useful career to a sudden close. 

Mr. Vinton died in 1858. A man of intense earnest- 
ness, positive convictions, and fiery zeal, he was wholly 
consecrated to his work. Idolized by the Karens, his 
harvest of souls was great. 

In 1860, the Theological Seminary was removed to 
Rangoon, Dr. Binney again at its head. Dr. Wade took 
up the work of preparing commentaries and other books 
needed by the theological students. In 1862, the mission 
press was also removed to Rangoon, the most accessible 
point in Burma, 

In 1860, ten hundred and ninety-six were baptized in 
the Toungoo district, and the work extended far into the 
interior. The Red Karens claimed attention. The first 



80 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Red Karen tract was printed this year. A view of the 
Toungoo field revealed fifteen different Karen tribes 
asking for the gospel. Two hundred and sixty thousand 
Karens were accessible to the missionary! This year 
Mr. Cross removed to Toungoo. 

In his early missionary life Dr. Wade reduced the 
Karen language to written forms. In 1860, he prepared 
a Karen grammar, a great achievement, and invaluable 
in school work. The Van Meters returned to Bassein, 
to work specially for the Pwo Karens. The " Morning 
Star," their own paper, was prized by the people. Dr. 
Wade was for many years the editor. 



QUESTIONS. 

1. Why was a trained Karen native ministry greatly needed ? 

2. What missionary had given training in private classes ? 

3. By whom, when, and where was the Karen Theological 
Seminary opened? 

4. Give account of the preparatory school. 

5. What results did Mr. Abbott find on his return from 
America ? 

6. Give the roll of new missionaries. 

7. What was the character of work in the Theological Semi- 
nary ? 

8. What caused the disparity of results among the Burmans 
and Karens? Give Dr. Mason's opinion. 

9. Note some of the beginnings of self-support among the 
Karens. 

10. Relate the beginnings of foreign mission work. 

11. W T hat year was the entire Bible given to the Sgau Karens? 

12. What portion was about the same time given the Pwos? 

13. What renewed sufferings did the war in 1852 bring the 
Karens, and what recognition by Government ? 

14. When and by whom was the removal of the Karen mission 
from Sandoway to Bassein? 

15. Give results of the visit of the Deputation. 






BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 81 

16. What Society transmitted funds for the support of the 
seceding missionaries ? 

17. What eminent Karen preacher labored in Toungoo ? What 
were the results? 

18. What record the first year of the re-opening of the Eangoon 
district ? 

19. What was the location of the Rangoon Pwo Karen work? 
Who were in charge? 

20. Who was the Henzada Karen missionary? 

21. W T hat is said of the Karen Theological Seminary? 

22. Give the decision of the Bassein Karens regarding self- 
support. 

23. In what other place did this principle prevail ? 

24. Give account of Sau Quala and the Toungoo field. 

25. Tell the story of Mr. Vinton's life and death. 

26. In what year was the Theological Seminary removed? 
where, and under whose charge? 

27. What work did Dr. Wade assume ? 

' 28. What was the record of 1860 in the Toungoo district? 
29. What later work did Dr. W r ade accomplish ? 

SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS. 

Missionary Sketches. The Vintons and the Karens. The Story 
of the Karen Mission in Bassein. 



F 



CHAPTER XII. 

SUCCESS IN ADVERSITY. 

TOURING the years of the civil war in America, the 
-*-^ straitened treasury of the Missionary Union greatly 
hampered mission operations. Retrenchment was im- 
perative to a degree that was nearly fatal to certain 
departments. Many schools were closed, less printing 
done, fewer native agencies employed. Much sickness 
left the stations of Tavoy and Shwegven for several years 
without a resident missionary. This state of affairs ren- 
dered imperative the better support of the Karen Theo- 
logical Seminary, since the Karen tribes, if evangelized at 
all, must be reached by their own countrymen. Yet the 
financial stringency compelled almost fatal retrenchment, 
even here. In fact, during these years of bloodshed and 
civil strife at home, the missionary field presented a 
panorama of languishing interests, and almost fatal im- 
poverishment. 

In 1861, Rev. J. B. Vinton came to Rangoon to carry 
on the work of his lamented father, associated with his 
mother, and Mr. and Mrs. Luther. This was a mission, 
as we have seen, supported by independent funds, and 

was remarkably successful. A normal school for Karen 
82 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 83 

lads was established at Moulinein. The churches sup- 
ported a Young Men's Normal School at Toungoo. 

One month after Mr. Carpenter reached Rangoon, he 
gives this pen-picture : 

" I wish you could see Dr. Binney's sixty-two bare- 
footed, bare-legged students of theology. They are all 
crowded into a one-story building. They probably do 
not taste of meat once a week. Their food consists 
mainly of paddy (unhulled rice), which they pound out 
for themselves. They submit to all this cheerfully, and 
dig like good fellows for the sake of knowledge, and the 
ability to read understandingly, and expound to their 
countrymen the Karen Bible/' 

Meanwhile, the work was making progress among the 
Pwos. In 1863, the Pwo churches in the Bassein dis- 
trict formed a separate Association. 

Trouble was at hand in Toungoo. Mrs. Mason, so 
long a faithful and earnest Christian teacher, laboring 
under mental derangement, taught strange and fatal 
delusions to her trusting Karens. This resulted in an 
almost general defection of the churches under the care 
of the Masons. Dr. Mason did not seem to realize the 
danger of her course, and it became a painful necessity 
to withdraw the patronage of the Union. In later years 
he saw his error, and sought to undo it as far as possible. 
He died in the service of the Missionary Union. 

In 1866, Mr. Harris was re-appointed a missionary of 



84 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

the Union, and returned to Shwegyen. The devoted 
Karens remembered his former faithful labor among 
them, and, in 1865, entreated his return, contributing 
one hundred dollars toward his passage. Their letter 
touchingly closes thus : " Dear brethren and sisters, in 
every place, great and small, male and female, have pity 
upon us, pray for us, and assist us in getting back our 
teachers." 

In 1865, Mr. Bunker was sent to the Red Karens, 
with headquarters at Toungoo. His musical training, 
teaching them to sing part-music, was most attractive to 
the music-loving Karens. 

Dr. Binney retired from the theological seminary this 
same year, on account of Mrs. Binney's health. Rev. C. 
H. Carpenter and Rev. D. A. W. Smith, who had been 
associated with him for three years, assumed the charge. 
A few months later Dr. Binney returned to Burma, and 
Mr. Smith removed to Henzada to take the work of Mr. 
Thomas, who had been transferred to Bassein. 

For thirteen years the Bassein Sgau Karen Mission 
had been separated from the Missionary Union. It will 
be remembered that Rev. Elisha L. Abbott was the 
founder of the mission, a true spiritual father. He 
spared not himself, but labored on until body and spirit 
alike failed. Listen to his parting words to his beloved 
Karens : 

" The kingdom of Christ is here in Bassein. You 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 85 

must care for it, and labor for it faithfully. If his 
kiugdoni prospers, it will prosper through your efforts. 
If it is destroyed, it will be at your hands." Mr. Abbott 
died in America in 1854. 

Rev. J. S. Beecher, associated with Mr. Abbott in the 
hearts of the Karens, hastened at their call. But events 
caused him to enter the service of the American Baptist 
Free Mission Society. This change of relation, so fraught 
with pain at the time, was the Providence that threw the 
Karen churches upon themselves, and developed their 
splendid system of self-support. Mr. Beecher continued 
the work along Mr. Abbott's successful line. He estab- 
lished the Sgau Karen Normal and Industrial Institute, 
so flourishing in these later days. The Karens paid for 
the school buildings. In recognition of Karen loyalty 
and service during the war. Government granted them a 
beautiful site often acres, free from taxes as long as 
used for missionary purposes. 

Mr. Beecher's health failed in 1866, and he left 
Burma, never to return. Two marble tablets, side by 
side, on the west wall of the fine memorial hall in 
Bassein, commemorate in loving words these two heroes 
who gave their lives to the Bassein Karens. 

Lapse of time had softened differences, and there is 
reason to believe, if Mr. Beecher had lived, he would 
have returned under the Missionary Union. The Bassein 
churches wrote an appeal to the executive committee, 



86 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

asking that Mr. Thomas, of Henzada, be sent them. It 
was the Lord reinstating the Missionary Union in its old 
field. When the appeal came, Mr. Thomas, with broken 
health, was about leaving for America. It seemed like 
the voice of Providence, and hoping that strength would 
come from change of location, he removed, as has been 
seen, to Bassein. But the delay cost his life the next 
year. 

Who should succeed him ? This was the subject of 
anxious debate at the meeting of the Burman Baptist 
Convention, held at Bassein, November, 1868. Then it 
was that the ocean cable did its first missionary work. 
The executive committee in Boston gave answer to the 
problem in the dispatch, "Carpenter transferred to 
Bassein, Smith to Rangoon." The Bassein Karens were 
joyful, the Henzada Karens cast down at losing the 
teacher they had learned to love. They wished to raise 
immediately the money to cable back a protest, but wiser 
counsel prevailed, and they communicated by letter. 

In 1869, Mr. Norris removed from Moulmein to take 
charge of the work in Tavoy. Rev. S. B. Rand was this 
year established at Moulmein. In 1870, the sad Hen- 
zada Karens were rejoiced by Mr. Smith's return, another 
cablegram saying, "Go." As a new departure, they 
were made the almoners of their own contributions. The 
result was most gratifying, as a step toward independent 
action. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 87 

Self-support in the Bassein Mission continued its won- 
derful development. In 1868, the Missionary Union 
purchased the property held by the Free Mission Society, 
and assumed full control. The independence of the 
churches in providing largely for their own religious 
needs is remarkable in a poor people, as heavily taxed 
as any people in the world. Their chapels, long built 
by themselves, are better than their own dwellings. 
They are more anxious for education than in any other 
province. Schools they will have, with the best teachers 
to be secured. 

When Mr. Carpenter reached Bassein, in 1868, he 
found the school buildings nearly in ruins. He proposed 
a plan whereby in ten years commodious buildings could 
be secured without expending a dollar of American 
money. At first they were appalled by the magnitude 
of the undertaking, but the result was so overwhelming, 
that they willingly assumed the endowment of the 
school. Not only did they contribute to these home 
interests, but they also sent missionaries into the regions 
beyond. 

Shwegyen was not far behind. Pastors and churches, 
out of deep poverty, raised about three thousand rupees, 
and appointed a committe from among themselves to 
distribute this fund, relieving the Missionary Union 
of any appropriation, either for schools or native 
preachers. 



88 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. What was the effect of the straitened missionary treasury ? 

2. What special events in 1861 ? 

3. Give Mr. Carpenter's pen-picture of Karen theological 
students. 

4. What progress among the Pwos ? 

5. Describe the defection in Toungoo. 

6. State facts regarding Mr. Harris' return. 

7. What is said of the Toungoo Red Karens and their mis- 
sionary ? 

8. What changes in the Karen Theological Seminary ? 

9. Tell the story of the Bassein Sgau Karen Mission, and the 
grand results accomplished. 

10. What was the first missionary message of the ocean cable ? 

11. What changes at Moulmein and Tavoy ? 

12. What is said of the Henzada Karens? 

13. What further facts regarding self-support in the Bassein 
Sgau Karen Mission? 

14. Give outline of Mr. Carpenter's plans, and their results. 

15. What is said of Shwegyen ? 

SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS. 

Missionary Sketches. Self-support in Bassein. The Vintons 
and the Karens. The Story of the Karen Mission in Bassein. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

SUNSHINE AND SHADOW. 

TN 1870, a memorial was addressed to the Missionary 
•*- Union, by the missionaries, regarding the imperative 
need of higher education among the Karens. The 
Roman Catholics offered this advantage, and in self- 
defense the Baptists must give their converts equal op- 
portunities. As a result, the Rangoon Baptist College 
was formally opened May 28, 1872, under charge of Dr. 
Binney and Rev. John Packer. 

The year 1871 was a notable year in Karen annals. 
The Rangoon Sgau Karen work was re-united with the 
Missionary Union, after a separation of seventeen years, 
and Mr. Vinton appointed its missionary. The churches 
in Toungoo, led away by Mrs. Mason, nearly all came back 
to their old faith, and Dr. Mason was re-appointed. It 
was also the year of the organization of the Women's 
Societies, whose work has been most extended among the 
Karens. Mr. Cross revised the New Testament, making 
a reference edition. 

Mrs. Van Meter, laboring alone for the Bassein Pwo 

Karens, while her husband sought health in America, 

received the crushing news of his death. Instead of 

89 



90 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

going home, she begged for an associate for the field she 
loved better than life. In a little over a year, she fol- 
lowed her husband, the last survivor of the three mis- 
sionary couples associated in Sandoway in early days. 

Mr. Norris left Tavoy with broken health in 1871. 
The Carpenters went home on furlough the next year. 
Mr. Hopkinson arrived in Bassein just after their depart- 
ure. Miss A. L. Stevens was the first gift of the 
Woman's Board to the Bassein Karens. 

Dr. Wade died in 1872, having been a missionary for 
over fifty years. The Karens have reason to bless his 
memory as the man who reduced both the Sgau and Pwo 
Karen dialects to written form, and prepared a Karen 
grammar. The Karen Thesaurus, a work in five vol- 
umes, is of incalculable value. His labors, both literary 
and evangelical, are beyond enumeration. 

A bird's-eye view in 1873 shows interesting advance. 
The lady teachers at nearly every station are representa- 
tives of the Women's Boards. At Moulmein, we find the 
Sgau Karen department in charge of Rev. S. B. Rand 
and his sister, Miss C. H. Rand. We see Tavoy sitting 
in loneliness. The eyes of the Karens are turned long- 
ingly toward America for a teacher. Its twenty-three 
churches need more shepherding than the twenty-one 
native preachers can give. 

The Bassein Sgau Karen work we find in charge of 
Mr. Hopkinson, and the Pwo Karen under care of Rev. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 91 

Sabin T. Goodell. The wise plans of Mr. Carpenter are 
being carried on successfully. Rev. D. A. W. Smith, 
still at Henzada, is aided in school work by Miss De 
Wolfe. The work is also steadily advancing at Shwegyen. 
Mr. Harris, the veteran, labors on, laying broad and deep 
foundations for the future independence of the churches. 
Rev. B. P. Cross is designated to Shwegyen. 

We close this view of the work in 1873 with a glance 
at Toungoo. It has had a checkered history since its 
founding in 1853. We find Dr. Cross in charge of the 
Sgaus, aided by Miss Shaw. Dr. Mason, in declining 
health, is preparing a Karen concordance. Those drawn 
away in the great apostasy led by Mrs. Mason are fast 
returning. Rev. Alonzo Bunker, aided by Misses East- 
man and Butler, is in charge of the Red Karen work. 

For years a great desire had been felt to reach the 
Karens in Siam. When the Carpenters left Burma in 
1872, they went by way of this country, that they might 
visit the Karens beyond the border. Their trip from 
Moulmein to Bangkok covered six hundred and twenty 
miles. On their way they scattered precious seed, trust- 
ing God for the harvest. Two months were thus spent 
for the Siamese Karens. 

This same year, the plan of weekly " pice " offerings 
(a pice is a fraction of a cent) was tested in Henzada. 
This was given in addition to the regular tithe offerings. 
In one year, this fund amounted to the sum of five hun- 



92 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

dred rupees. It was applied toward the erection of 
school buildings. 

Miss Stevens, a worker of rare ability, was compelled 
to leave Bassein, utterly prostrated. Denied the privi- 
lege of working abroad, she is doing good service in the 
home department. 

Mr, and Mrs. Carpenter returned to Burma in 1874, 
accompanied by Miss Helen Watson, for Henzada. Mr. 
Carpenter was president of Rangoon Baptist College 
until 1875. The question of removing the college to 
Bassein having been decided adversely, he resigned and 
returned to Bassein. 

In 1874, Dr. Mason died at Rangoon. When he first 
reached Burma, in 1830, he took the Karen work from 
the dying hand of Mr. Boardman. He planted the 
Toungoo mission in 1853. His last work was to remove 
to Upper Burma, in the hope of planting a station 
among the wild Ka Khyens. Before he could accom- 
plish this, however, the Master called him home. 

A severe famine in the Toungoo district brought dis- 
tress and danger. Great fatality among the Christian 
Karens was only averted by the concerted action of all 
the Baptist churches in Burma in sending relief. 

In 1875, the gifts of the Bassein Karens averaged four 
rupees per member, given out of deep poverty. 

Dr. Binney returned to America in 1874, and Mr. 
Smith was called from Henzada to become president of 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 93 

the theological seminary. Dr. Binney had been for 
thirty years connected with this special work, of such 
vital importance to the evangelizing of the Karens. 

Mr. Rand, of Moulmein, after an unavailing struggle 
with disease, was driven home in 1876, leaving Mr. Col- 
burn and Miss Rand in charge of the work. Mrs. Cross 
having been removed by death, Mr. and Mrs. B. P. Cross 
were transferred from Shwegyen to Toungoo, to be associ- 
ated with Dr. Cross in his loneliness. Relieved of tour- 
ing work, the father devoted himself to Scripture revision. 

Mrs. Thomas, returning in 1874, had charge of the 
Henzada Karen Mission. She inaugurated a plan to 
have the native pastors give a part of each year to 
evangelizing labors, accompanied by one or more helpers. 
More than four thousand rupees were brought in 1876 
for religious purposes. 

At the Bassein Association, in 1875, the Sgau Karens 
resolved to raise a special building fund of twenty 
thousand rupees in three years, for the Bassein Normal 
and Industrial School. About twelve thousand rupees 
had previously been raised for permanent school build- 
ings, making a total of about thirty-two thousand rupees 
for education. The Bassein Pwo Karens were endeav- 
oring to raise seven thousand rupees within three years. 
A grand offering is thus shown from the Lord's poor. 

This same year, Mrs. Thomas made an interesting tour 
among the mountain Karens in her district. Here the 



94 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

nation was found in its ancient condition, untouched by 
the uplifting power of the gospel. A religion of super- 
stition kept them in bondage to fear. Such a trip would 
have been a serious undertaking for a strong man. 

After many years of desolation, Tavoy rejoiced in 
1876 over Mr. and Mrs. Morrow. It was no slight task 
to gather up the dropped threads; but it was evident that 
the Lord had his own, even in Tavoy. Early in 1877, 
the Crumbs joined the Red Karen Mission in Toungoo. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. What led to the founding of Rangoon Baptist College? 

2. Where was its formal opening? Who were in charge? 

3. Why was 1871 a notable year? 

4. What is said of Mrs. Van Meter ? 

5. What changes in Bassein ? 

6. Give sketch of Dr. Wade's life, and date of death. 

7. What of Moulmein in 1873? 

8. What of Bassein, Henzada, and Shwegyen ? 

9. What of Toungoo? 

10. Describe the Carpenters' tour in Siam. 

11. What new plan of finance in Henzada, and what results? 

12. What is said of Miss Stevens ? 

13. What was Mr. Carpenter's temporary work, and why did he 
resign it? 

14. Give sketch of Dr. Francis Mason's life and death. 

15. How did brotherly love save life in Toungoo ? 

16. What were the average gifts of Bassein Sgau Karens in 
1875? 

17. What is said of Dr. Binney ? 

18. Who became President of Karen Theological Seminary ? 

19. What changes at Moulmein and Toungoo? 

20. What is said of Mrs. Thomas and the Henzada mission? 

21. What new undertaking of Bassein Karens in 1875 ? 

22. Describe Mrs. Thomas' remarkable tour. 

23. What is said of Tavoy and Toungoo ? 

SUPPLEMENTAEY HEADINGS. 

Missionary Sketches. Self-support in Bassein. Life of a Work- 
ing man, by Dr. Francis Mason. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

LOOKING BEYOND. 

rTlHE opening of the Ka Khyen field seemed to the 
-■- Karens the call to mission work. They assumed 
it with great enthusiasm, although bearing weighty finan- 
cial burdens of their own. Men volunteered to go 
among this stranger people, and the churches promised 
to sustain them. Speh was the first Karen missionary to 
go into the hills. The Ka Khyens received him cor- 
dially, and promised to feed him. 

Dr. Binney, aged and feeble, sailed again for Burma, 
in 1877, hoping for a lease of life to finish certain Karen 
text books. But it was not to be. He died on ship- 
board, eight days before the steamer reached Rangoon. 
His work in training Karen preachers has left its lasting 
impress upon Burma. Mrs. Binney remained to finish, 
as far as possible, his work. 

November 16, Mr. Goodell died at Rangoon, whither 
he had gone for medical aid. The Bassein Pwo Karens 
were in mourning for their beloved teacher, whose five 
years service had ended with his life. 

Mr. Bunker was obliged to leave Toungoo, in 1858. 

He writes : " It is many times harder to leave my work 

95 



96 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

here to go home, than it was to leave home in the begin- 
ning. I would not do it if I was not compelled." 

In January, 1878, three Karen men were needed 
immediately for Upper Burma. To this simple, home- 
loving people, the going into the Ka Khyen hills meant 
exile quite as truly as the outgoing of an American mis- 
sionary to Burma. After much prayer and solemn 
appeal, two young men from the seminary were sent. 
Others held themselves in readiness to go when needed. 

The year 1878 was the jubilee of the Karen mission. 
Fifty years before, May 16, 1828, Ko-thah-byu, the first 
convert, was baptized by Mr. Boardman, and afterward, 
by his zeal and missionary spirit, won the name of the 
"Karen Apostle." This jubilee year found the number 
of Karen Christians to be over twenty thousand. The 
fine commodious building erected by the Karens for the 
Bassein Normal and Industrial Institute was dedicated 
on this anniversary day, free of debt, and called 
the Ko-thah-byu Memorial Hall. It will accommodate 
three hundred boarding pupils. During this jubilee 
vear, the Bassein Karens contributed fiftv thousand 
rupees for religious and educational purposes. Later, 
came the E. L. Abbott Endowment Fund, which in 1884 
amounted to thirteen thousand six hundred and ninety- 
nine dollars and fifty cents. The Toungoo Karens also 
sent two of their number into Karenee as missionaries. 
Others made preaching tours among the villages. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 97 

Auother native preacher labored among the Padoungs. 
A month of field work by Mr. Smith, and the two upper 
classes from the seminary in a needy part of the Henzada 
field, resulted in much good. 

Mr. Freiday writes in 1878: "Thank God, Brother 
Carpenter's Bassein Karens have adopted the Ka Khyens 
as their mission field, for this secures the Ka Khyen 
mission prayers, men, and money in an unusual degree ; 
as the Bassein Christians are not accustomed to look 
back when once they put their hand to the plow." 

Another signal event in 1878 was the completion of the 
Bible in Pwo Karen by Mr. Brayton. The undertaking 
had covered thirty years of assiduous work, carried on in 
connection with the varied duties of a general missionary. 
In 1879, Eangoon Baptist College possessed a new and 
commodious building. 

A mysterious disease called beri-beri caused great mor- 
tality and suffering among the students of the theological 
seminary. For years, varying plans were tried for its 
removal, but in vain, and the final result was the pur- 
chase, in 1890, of a new location at Insein, nine miles 
from Rangoon, on the Prome Railroad, and the gradual 
removal of the school from the infected buildings. 

In 1879, Rev. J. T. Elwell and wife took Mr. Goodell's 
Pwo Karen work in Bassein. A new station, Maubin, 
was opened among this tribe, by Rev. W. Bushnell and 
wife. 

G 



98 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

At Toungoo, the Red Karen work was successfully 
carried on by Misses Eastman and Ambrose. Mr. 
Bunker returned in 1880. 

In April, 1880, the Carpenters made a long desired 
trip into the Ka Khyen country, to look after the Karen 
foreign mission work in the hills. Most gratifying suc- 
cess was apparent. A little later, broken health drove 
them to America. Rev. W. I. Price, of the Telugu mis- 
sion, was transferred to Shwegyen. 

Dr. Vinton was most indefatigible in jungle work. 
Malarious regions did not turn him back ; the sure pros- 
pect of jungle fever did not keep him from those he 
sought. He writes in 1881 : " If you do not hear from 
me, take it for granted that Vinton is in the jungle, with 
headquarters on his elephant's head, and you will not be 
far wrong." 

Rev. W. F. Thomas and wife came to Henzada in 
1880, to the great joy of his mother, heroically working 
alone. Immediately they set out for the jungle in 
company. 

One marked feature of the Karen churches was the 
careful examination of candidates for baptism. This 
resulted in a strong and spiritual membership, with little 
need for discipline. 

In 1881, at the request of the Burma Baptist Conven- 
tion, Messrs. Bushell and Webster made a tour among 
the Karens of Northern Siam. Thev found large com- 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 99 

munities accessible to the gospel. They baptized seventy, 
and organized three churches. An attempt to prosecute 
the work by purely native agencies having failed, the 
Websters removed three years later to Chiengmai. 

Dr. Vinton, in 1882, expressed great joy over the bap- 
tism of some pupils from the Sgau Karen school in Kem- 
mendine. He says : " I dearly enjoy the privilege of 
baptizing any true convert ; but a new thrill of pleasure 
comes when I feel that I am putting ' sanctified brains ' 
under the water." 

This year Mr. Frank Phinney was appointed to the 
superintendency of the mission press in Rangoon, ren- 
dered vacant by the retirement of Mr. Bennett. The 
press of the Missionary Union is the only one in the 
world printing in the Karen and Shan language. 

Three of the students in the Theological Seminary this 
year were Karens from far-distant Siam, sent by their 
Chiengmai brethren for two years' study. Rev. B. P. 
Cross and wife were transferred to Rangoon College. 

In 1883, there was great advance among the Pwo 
Karens in Bassein. They organized a missionary society. 
Circles were formed among the women, and bands among 
the children. The Pwo Karen Bible, translated and 
revised by Mr. Brayton, assisted by his daughter, Mrs. 
Rose, was published. 

Mrs. Binney died May 18, 1884, in Rangoon. After 
the death of her husband she devoted herself to com- 



100 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

pleting his literary undertakings. Her life was blessed in 
labors and results, and her memory is precious in Burma. 

Mr. Webster gives the story in brief of the mission in 
Northern Siam : 

"An almost wholly native agency, operating at twenty- 
five days distance from headquarters, three years time ; 
result, one hundred and sixty church members, two 
churches, two schools, and several men who show excep- 
tional gifts as evangelists. This work is supported by 
Burman churches, in connection with the Karens." 

We have already noted the Bassein Karen foreign 
mission among the Ka Khyens. A third field was occu- 
pied by the Henzada Karens, the work having been 
originated by Mrs. Thomas, and lies among the Chins in 
the western valley of the Irrawaddy, extending into 
Arakan. In 1884, were reported four Chin churches, 
largely the result of native effort. This interest among 
the Chins of Arakan led to the re-establishment of the 
old Sandoway mission, the healthiest spot in the province, 
which in earlier days proved such a graveyard of mis- 
sionaries. 

Mr. Crumb, missionary to the Red Karens in Toun- 
goo, reported his native preachers doing mission w T ork in 
Karenee. Seven men were laboring in different direc- 
tions, and doing much good. 

In 1886, Upper Burma was annexed by the English, 
throwing a vast region open to the gospel. 






BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 101 

A movement was made the same year to throw the 
support of the Theological Seminary upon the Karens. 
The Bassein Sgaus pledged about one thousand rupees, 
and the other districts were asked to apportion the 
amount needed among their membership. The gratify- 
ing response showed that systematic and persistent effort 
on the part of the pastors would bring in funds sufficient 
to make the seminary a mighty power. Diplomas were 
given the graduates this year for the first time. The 
graduating exercises would not have done discredit to an 
American seminary. Its standing was rising to the 
level of schools in the home-land. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. Describe the opening of the Ka Khyen field by the Bassein 
Sgau Karens. 

2. Give the circumstances of Dr. Binney's death. 

3. What is said of Mrs. Binney ? 

4. What bereavement befell the Bassein Pwo Karens in 1877 ? 

5. Give Mr. Bunker's parting words. 

6. Teli the story of the consecration of Karen foreign mission- 
aries for work in Upper Burma. 

7. Describe the grand results of the jubilee year of Karen 
foreign mission work. 

8. What does Mr. Freiday say in regard to the Karen Ka 
Khyen Mission? 

9. What signal event in 1878? 

10. What is said of beri-beri, and what removal did it make 
necessary ? 

11. What of Pwo Karen work in 1879? 

12. What of Red Karen work in Toungoo? 

13. W T hat trip by the Carpenters in 1880? 

14. What marked feature among Karen churches? 

15. What is said of the work among the Karens of Siam ? 

16. What joyful experience did Dr. Vinton relate ? 

17. Give facts regarding change of superintendency of Baptist 
mission press in Rangoon. 



102 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

18. What three foreign students in Karen Theological Seminary 
in 1882 ? Who sent them ? 

19. What advance is noted among Bassein Pwo Karens in 1883? 

20. When did Mrs. Binney die, and what had she accomplished? 

21. Give the story of Northern Siam Mission. 

22. Note the new foreign mission fields undertaken by Karens. 

23. What important political event in 1886 ? 

24. What is said of the Karen Theological Seminary ? 

SUPPLEMENTAEY HEADINGS. 

The Vintons and Karens. Self-support in Bassein. History of 
Bassein Karens. Twenty-six years in Burma, by Mrs. Binney. 

LEAFLETS. 

Mrs. J. P. Binney. Christianity and Karen women. 



CHAPTER XV. 

TRIAL AND VICTORY. 

rPHE annexation of Upper Burma was followed by a 
-*- period of great excitement and peril. Bands of 
dacoits wreaked vengeance on the Christian Karens, es- 
pecially in Shwegyen and Toungoo districts. But the 
Karens, directed by their missionaries, rose to the occa- 
sion, and by brave defense, and equally brave aggression, 
aided Government in restoring order to the land. A 
missionary writes : 

" It is a fact that the Karens, without exception, muster 
on the English side, and all through these mountains, 
have done what the English soldiers have failed to do : 
they have put down the dacoits. So the Karen hills are 
becoming, by virtue of the Karen Christians, a vast for- 
tification to the British Government ; but which, if held 
by the Burmans, would become a vast, impenetrable den 
of thieves. 

" More than once, the missionaries were compelled to 

take up arms, and aid the Karens, in self-defense. 

From being an oppressed, obscure people, the events of 

the war have pushed them into noble prominence." 

A sad loss was sustained in the death of Dr. Vinton at 

103 



104 BAPTIST FOEEIGX MISSIONS. 

Rangoon, in 1887. The dacoit perils taxed the mission- 
aries to the utmost. Dr. Vinton held a position of pecu- 
liar responsibility, both to the Karens and to Govern- 
ment. His influence over his people was absolute. He 
spoke the language like a native, and wrote many beau- 
tiful hymns. His large plans for ' future work were cut 
short by his sudden death ; and all Karen land was in 
mourning. 

The first scholarships in the Karen Theological Semi- 
nary were given by two natives ; one a Christian deacon, 
who gave one hundred and fifty dollars, wishing the 
avails given to some needy student from the Moulmein 
district. The other was a like amount from a heathen, 
for the same purpose. 

The year 1887 was one of progress. New stations were 
opened, and the great opportunities were like a bugle call 
to the Christians of Ameriea, summoning them in the 
name of their God to set up their banners. 

After eight years' faithful labor in Moulmein, Dr. 
Mitchell was compelled to leave her work in Burma for 
a time. It had long been self-supporting, paying her 
salary and that of her assistant, Dr. Shaw Loo. She 
was the second of a line of medical missionaries, sent by 
the women's societies, and this experiment had proved 
a triumphant success. More than one thousand patients 
had been treated at the dispensary in 1887, 

Mrs. Vinton, who so nobly carried on her husband's 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 105 

work after his death, returned to America. From the 
beginning of the Rangoon Sgau Karen Mission, it had 
been in charge of but two persons — Justus H. Vinton, 
and Justus B. Vinton, father and son. Their monu- 
ment is in the devoted Karens, who, though stricken, 
rallied to make good their loss by greater effort. 

At Christmas, 1887, the Bassein Karens observed their 
Jubilee. The gospel was first preached within the 
boundaries of the Bassein district, Christmas Eve, 1837, 
by Rev. E, L. Abbott. Christmas Eve, 1887, watch meet- 
ings were held in many places, attended by thousands. 
Special thanksgiving services were held on Christmas 
Day, and the anniversary was both joyful and profitable. 

A new station was opened for the Chins, at Thayetmyo, 
in Upper Burma. This people inhabit the western Yoma 
mountains, between Burma and Arakan. The mission- 
aries in charge are Rev. A. E. Carson and wife. 

In April, 1888, the beautiful Pwo Karen chapel in 
Bassein was dedicated, free of debt. The sermon was 
preached by the venerable Brayton, who had come to 
the Pwo work fifty years before. The chapel cost five 
thousand dollars, one-third contributed by the Karens. 
The upper story is the chapel, with beautiful schoolrooms 
below. 

At a meeting of the Rangoon Sgau Karen Association, 
it was enthusiastically decided to erect a "Vinton Memo- 
rial " on the missionary compound. This was to take the 



106 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

form of a large school building, in memory of the three 
Vintons — father, mother, and son. At this meeting, 
fifteen hundred dollars was pledged as an earnest of the 
larger amounts to follow. 

Mr. Thomas returned from a brief furlough in 1888, 
and located in Sandoway, laboring for the Chins and 
Arakanese. 

In 1889, came an appeal for five hundred dollars to 
build a Baptist chapel in Hammerfest, Norway, near the 
Arctic Circle. The various Sunday-schools in Rangoon, 
Karen, Burrnan, and English, responded with sixty-six 
dollars and thirty-eight cents as their contribution, the 
tropics aiding the polar regions. 

This same year was organized the Arakan Baptist 
Association, with ten churches. The foreign mission 
spirit had here also an early development. 

A movement was inaugurated in the Tavoy district of 
the greatest value to the Karens. Government granted 
Mr. Morrow two thousand acres of land, on which to 
locate certain of the Karen Christians, teaching them 
improved agricultural methods. As the Karens are the 
farmers of Burma, much is expected. 

The Henzada Karens erected a beautiful chapel school- 
house as a " Thomas Memorial." This Associational dis- 
trict was divided, the other half being the Tharrawaddy 
district, with headquarters at Zigon, under charge of 
Rev.W. C. Calder. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 107 

The Sandoway mission embraced six distinct nation- 
alities — Chins, Arakanese, Burmese, Karens, English, 
and Telugus. The Ka Khyens had as missionaries in 
Bhamo, Eev. W. H. Roberts and wife, besides two lady 
teachers. 

In 1889, the Bassein Karens completed a large and 
beautiful hospital as the " Carpenter Memorial/' besides 
bearing much expense in other directions. 

In 1888, Mr. Denchfield was put in charge of the 
Rangoon Sgau Karen work. In 1890, Mrs. Vinton re- 
turned. Mr. and Mrs. Seagrave were also designated to 
this mission. The family relation to the work continued, 
Mrs. Seagrave being a daughter of Mrs. Vinton. 

At the Fourth Annual Conference of Baptist Mission- 
aries in Burma, a scheme of uniform Bible study for all 
the mission schools was adopted. Henceforth, Burman, 
Karen, Shan, Ka Khyen, Telugu, and English scholars 
will all study the same daily Bible lesson. 

Mrs. Brayton died at Rangoon in 1890, after forty- 
eight years active service in Burma among the Pwo 
Karens. Thus was another link broken with the pioneer 
days, Mrs. Brayton having gone to Burma when Dr. 
Judson and Sarah B. Judson were in the full tide of 
their usefulness. 

The statistics of the Karen mission for 1891 show 
thirty-six missionaries actually on the field, one hundred 
and twenty-two ordained and three hundred and twenty- 



108 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

two unordained native preachers, four hundred and 
ninety-six churches, and twenty-seven thousand and forty 
members. 

The Theological Seminary appeals for a fitting build- 
ing for its beautiful site at Insein. Prof. E. B. Roach is 
president of Eangocn Baptist College. Prof. D. C. Gil- 
more and wife have been added to the faculty. 

New tribes of Karens are being reached. The Kachin 
work, carried on as a foreign mission by the Bassein 
Karens, has now an association of its own. A constantly 
increasing demand for higher education is a prophecy 
of future power and efficiency for the Karen nation. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. What followed the annexation of Upper Burma ? 

2. What is said of Karen aid given the Government against 
the dacoits ? 

3. Give a sketch of Dr. Vinton's work, and date of death. 

4. Tell the story of the two first scholarships in Karen Theo- 
logical Seminary. 

5. What is said of Dr. Ellen E. Mitchell? 

6. What relation had the Vintons borne to the Sgau Karen 
mission ? 

7. Describe the Christmas jubilee of the Bassein Sgau Karen 
in 1887. _ 

8. Give facts regarding new stations for the Chins in Upper 
Burma. 

9. Describe the dedication of Pwo Karen chapel in Bassein, 
with date. 

10. What was the Vinton memorial ? 

11. How did the tropics aid the polar regions? 

12. What event in Arakan in 1889? 

13. Describe plan for agricultural instruction in Henzada. 

14. What and where was the Thomas Memorial ? 

15. How and when was the Henzada district divided ? 

16. What nationalities in the Sandoway mission ? 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 109 

17. What American missionary to the Ka Khyens, and where 
located ? 

18. Where and what was the Carpenter Memorial ? 

19. What is said of Rangoon Sgau Karen work ? 

20. Give plan of daily uniform Bible study for all the mission 
schools. 

21. What is said of Mrs. Bray ton? 

22. Give statistics for 1890. 

23. What changes in the faculty of Rangoon Baptist College ? 

24. Give latest facts in Karen work. 

SUPPLEMENTARY READING. 

Self-support in Bassein. The Story of the Karen Mission in 
Bassein. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



LENGTHENING CORDS. 



niHE Assam mission was established in 1836. The 
■*- eyes of the Christian world were fixed longingly 
on China, fast barred against outward influences. The 
Siam mission was begun as an outpost of China, and it 
was believed that an entrance to this kingdom might be 
gained along the paths of inland trade. By planting a 
series of posts along the Chinese frontier, beginning with 
Siam, extending northward into Assam, some influences 
must penetrate the barrier. Also, under the protection 
of the East India Company, it was thought that mission- 
aries might travel with the caravans that passed yearly 
into China, and while the mandarians were jealously 
watching their ports, Christianity might be planted in 
the heart of the Empire. Another consideration favored 
Assam. A chain of mountain ranges extends between 
Assam and Burma. The hill tribes especially were 
thought to be nearly allied to the Shans, whose language 
so closely resembles the Burman that missionaries from 
Burma could learn it readily. 

The East India Company had become friendly to mis- 
sionaries. It was at the urgent appeal of its officers in 
110 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. Ill 

Assam, that Messrs. Brown and Cutter went from Burma 
to Sadiya, in 1836. Captain Jenkins offered five hun- 
dred dollars to the mission on the arrival of the first 
missionary, and a like amount when the printing press 
was an established fact. 

Sadiya is far up the province, on the Brahmaputra, 
the mighty river whose valley forms the plain of Assam. 
The missionaries had a long weary journey of four 
months, toiling against the current in a native boat. 

In October, 1836, Rev. Jacob Thomas and Rev. Miles 
Bronson, with their wives, were sent to this new mission. 
On the journey up the Brahmaputra, Mr. Bronson was 
taken ill with fever. In a small boat, w 7 ith a native 
boatman, Mr. Thomas hastened on to obtain medicine 
and help. When within sight of Sadiya, a tree fell 
across the boat, crushing it, and drowning Mr. Thomas 
It was a sad blow to the mission, and to the wife and 
friends left behind. The name of Jacob Thomas leads 
the death roll of the Assam mission. 

The Board instructed the missionaries always to keep 
in view the possible connection with Burma and China. 
Mr. Kincaid's trip northward from Ava in 1837 was an 
attempt to reach Assam. The failure of this attempt had 
not dispelled the idea. 

An insurrection in Sadiya, in 1839, drove out the mis- 
sionaries, and dispersed the people. The mission was 
removed to Jaipur, three days journey southward. Here 



112 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Mr. Bronson found himself near the Singphos, the tribe 
to which he had been designated. It was also near the 
Nagas, a fierce, warlike people, among whom he estab- 
lished a mission in 1840. Soon he moved his family to 
Namsang, a station in the Naga hills. In May, his 
sister, Miss Rhoda Bronson, one of the first single lady 
missionaries, with Mr. and Mrs. Barker, came to Assam. 
Miss Bronson joined her brother in the hills, but con- 
tinued fever drove them back to Jaipur, where she died 
at the end of the year. 

It soon became evident that more efficient work could 
be done in the densely populated plains of Central and 
Lower Assam, than among the scattered tribes about 
Jaipur. Mr. Barker settled at Sibsagor, and thither Mr. 
Brown followed in 1841, Mr. Cutter remaining with the 
press at Jaipur. Mr. Bronson removed to Nowgong, 
where were representatives of many tribes, besides the 
Assamese. Mrs. Bronson opened a large mission school, 
which educated many of the future native teachers and 
preachers of Assam. Mr. Brown's especial work was 
translating; Mr. Cutter's, printing. Portions of the 
Scripture and schoolbooks were soon in the hands of the 
people. In 1845, the press was moved to Sibsagor, Mr. 
Barker locating at Gauhati, the most important town in 
Central Assam. At each of the stations, a little church 
was soon organized. The religion of Assam is Brahman- 
ism, with its iron bars of caste. The sowing time was 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 113 

long ; the harvest, like that among the Burroans, slow in 
ripening. 

The first convert in Assam, Nidhiram, was baptized 
by Mr. Bronson, at Jaipur, in 1841. He took the 
Christian name of Nidhi Levi Farwell. Batiram, the 
second, was baptized in Sibsagor, in 1846. Soon he and 
Nidhi Levi were helping Mr. Bronson in preparing an 
Assamese hymn book. Nidhi proved a good hymn 
writer, and rendered invaluable help in translating 
Scripture. God spared him to Assam until 1873, when 
this poet, translator, and preacher, went home. 

The school in Assam soon grew into the orphan institu- 
tion, an important factor in the work. The pupils could 
be kept under the entire control of the missionaries. This 
meant much, when home influences were altogether de- 
grading. For ten years this school flourished, and from 
among its pupils were largely the accessions to the 
church. In 1848, Mr. and Mrs. Stoddard were appointed 
in charge, while the Bronsons, with broken health, 
sought rest in America. In 1850, Mr. Daiible joined 
the mission from the German Lutheran Church, and in 
1851, the Bronsons returned, bringing with them Miss 
Shaw, as teacher in the school. She afterward married 
Mr. Daiible. 

In 1854, the Deputation sent to visit the Asiatic missions 
came to Assam, and a General Convention was held in 
Nowgong. To the sorrow of the missionaries, the Orphan 

H 



114 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Institution was practically disbanded, and although the 
action was meant for the best, the Assam mission has 
ever since been crippled. From the orphans trained in 
the school came the native Christian helpers, and when 
that generation passed, none were ready to take their 
places. Within three years, by deaths, exclusions, and 
removals, the Nowgong church was reduced to five mem- 
bers, one less than its original number. 

The " Orunodoi," an Assamese religious paper, was first 
published in 1840. In 1853, Mr. Cutter's connection 
with the mission closed, and Mr. Brown added printing 
to the translation and preaching. In 1855, he went to 
America, after twenty years continuous service. His 
labors had truly been abundant. He had translated and 
three times revised the Assamese New Testament, besides 
portions of the Old. The catechism and part of Genesis 
he had translated into Shan, besides printing and editing 
the " Orunodoi." In 1851, Mr. Whiting came to Sibsa- 
gor, and labored faithfully for ten years. In 1861, he 
was relieved by Mr. and Mrs. Ward, from Gauhati, who 
had entire charge for the next seven years. 

Assam is a great tea garden. The immense tea plan- 
tations bring multitudes of heathen laborers, but they 
also bring the vices of unchristian Englishmen. Some 
dissolute tea planters take delight in undoing the work 
of the missionaries as far as possible ; and as all white 
men stand as representatives of Christianity in the East, 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 115 

the result is deplorable. Especially in those early days 
of mission work was the hindrance a serious one. But 
God overrules even such stumbling-blocks, and multi- 
tudes of Assamese have been rescued from heathenism 
by the faithful labor of our missionaries. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. Give map-lesson on Assam. 

2. Give facts regarding establishment of Assam mission. 

3. What relation did the East India Company bear to the new 
enterprise ? 

4. Who were the first missionaries? 

5. Locate Sadiya. What is said of the journey from Calcutta? 

6. Tell the story of Jacob Thomas' death. 

7. Why and where was the mission removed in 1839? 

8. What effort did Mr. Bronson make for the Nagas ? Who 
were this people? 

9. Who joined him, and what cause drove the family to the 
plains ? 

10. Give reasons for removal to various parts of Central Assam? 

11. Name the localities where missions were established, and 
the missionaries in charge. 

12. What important school was opened at Nowgong, and by 
whom? 

13. What was Mr. Brown's especial work? 

14. What is the religion of Assam ? 

15. Describe Brahmanism. 

16. What is caste ? 

17. Tell the story of the first Assamese convert. 

18. What is said of the Orphan Institution at Nowgong? 

19. Who assumed charge in 1848? 

20. What fate befell the Orphan Institution ? What was the 
result in after years ? 

21. What is said of Mr. Brown's work in Assam ? When did 
it close ? 

22. What is the effect of tea planting upon Assam ? 

SUPPLEMENTAEY HEADINGS. 
Assam Jubilee Volume. The Whole World Kin; or, Life of 
Nathan Brown. Missionary Sketches. Our Gold Mine, pages 
296-336. 

LEAFLET. 

Notes on Assam. 



M 1 



CHAPTER XVII. 

PROGRESS IN ASSAM. 

" R. BARKER settled in Gauhati in 1843, and, re- 
maining less than six years, died on his return 
voyage to America. A marble tablet to his memory may 
be seen in the brick mission chapel erected by European 
residents. Mr. Danforth arrived in 1848, and labored 
in this station for the most of the ten years of his stay in 
India. 

The story of Kandura is one of the many thrilling 
incidents in missionary annals. Soon after locating in 
Nowgong, while the Orphan Institution was in its infancy, 
Mr. Bronson noticed among his hearers a blind beggar, 
of noble appearance, led by a bright boy. The lad was 
so prepossessing that Mr. Bronson longed to train him 
for Christ. But every effort to secure the boy failed. 
To every appeal the father would say, " He is my eyes. 
How can I give up my eyes ? " But later, as he was 
about to be thrown into prison for debt, he came to the 
missionary, and agreed to give up the boy, if the debt 
could be paid. This was gladly done, and Kandura 
became a member of the school. He was baptized in 

1849, was educated entirely in the Orphan Institution, 
116 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 117 

and proved so capable that a lucrative situation was 
offered him under Government. 

He accepted this for awhile. But he was not satisfied. 
He had a call to very different work, and finally, resign- 
ing his Government position at twenty dollars a month, — 
large pay for a native, — became pastor of the Gauhati 
church, at a monthly salary not much exceeding seven 
dollars. No missionary was at the station. " Can you 
hold on till some one arrives?" asked Mr. Bronson. 
" My wish is to hold on till death," was his reply. God 
gave him his wish, and he was in active service until 
almost his last breath. 

The dreadful years of the mutiny came in 1857 and 
1858. The Assam missionaries who remained in the 
province escaped injury, but were in deadly peril, and 
had little opportunity to prosecute their work. One 
after another left the field, until, for nearly a year, Mr. 
Whiting was the only missionary in Assam. 

In 1859, Rev. C. F. Tolman came to Assam. His wife 
was the daughter of Mr. Bronson. They were appointed 
to the Mikirs, but the treacherous fever, lying in wait for 
foreigners, made him its victim on his second tour, and 
drove him from the hills in two years. He held on until 
the return of Mr. Bronson and Mr. Ward, leaving the 
first Assamese and Mikir catechism in press and the 
manuscript of a vocabulary, then, more dead than alive, 
sailed for America. He has been denied the privilege 



118 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

of work abroad, but has done valiant service at home, 
The year 1863 witnessed the baptism of the first Garo, 
and the first Mikir converts. In 1864, Kev. E. P. Scott 
and wife were sent to the Mikirs, but the fever made him 
its victim in less than two years. 

The work among the Hill tribes was gaining in promi- 
nence yearly. These tribes did not worship idols, were 
free from caste, but sacrificed to demons, to appease their 
wrath and avert calamity. A kind and benevolent Deity 
did not need worship, according to their idea. Mission 
work was prosecuted at this time among the Mikirs, the 
Nagas, and the Garos, at the three central stations, and 
by tours in the Hills. No station was opened among 
them until a later date. Mr. Bronson baptized the first 
representatives from a number of Hill tribes during his 
long term of missionary service. In 1863. Mr. Stoddard re- 
moved to Goalpara, a river station near the Garo country. 
In 1869, there were forty Garo Christians, five churches, 
and ten native preachers. Schools flourished greatly. 

In 1866, the Assamese-English Dictionary, the fruit 
of many years' toil by Mr. Bronson, was published. It 
was a laborious undertaking. He also prepared books 
in Singpho, Naga, Khamti, and Assamese, and trans- 
lated many hymns. 

The finger of progress touched the sleepy Assam valley, 
and we find about this time the telegraph joining Gau- 
hati with Boston, while a railroad from Calcutta to the 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 119 

borders of Assam shortened the distance wonderfully. 
A railroad route had already been surveyed through the 
valley. Never again could the situation be so depressing. 
With Western influences came Western vice as well ; 
but the Western gospel was stronger than all. 

In 1869, Dr. Bronson, having buried the devoted wife 
of his youth, returned to Assam with his daughter Maria. 
She took up the Nowgong school work with ardor and 
success. In the same year, Mr. Scott, who had returned 
a twelve-month before, died of cholera in Nowgong. 
Mrs. Scott nobly strove to carry on his work, removing 
to Gauhati, until the needs of her little children com- 
pelled her to return home. 

Rev. E. W. Clark joined the mission in 1868. From 
the first, he was strongly drawn toward the Nagas. He 
located at Sibsagor, taking Mr. Ward's work. But his 
heart was in the Hills ; and in 1876 he established him- 
self at Molung, among the people of his choice. 

In 1871, Rev. R. E. Neighbor and wife were sent to 
Nowgong, as Mr. Scott's successor in the Mikir work. 
In 1872, Dr. Bronson married Mrs. Danforth, widow of 
a former missionary at Gauhati. She died in 1874, in 
Burma, while in quest of health. Maria Bronson had 
accompanied her ; and on the way home, sailing up the 
great river, she was seized with cholera, and died in a few 
hours. She was buried at Goalpara, with six wild Hill- 
men as bearers, and only her stricken father to utter a 



120 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

word of prayer over her grave. After this double be- 
reavement, Dr. Bronson removed to Gauhati, leaving Mr. 
Neighbor alone at Nowgong. Later, he married Miss 
Mary Rankin, a missionary of the Society of the West 
and gave Assam a few more years of labor. He died 
in America, November 10, 1883. ' In his last days, his 
weakened mind was in dear old Assam. He imagined 
himself as talking with the native Christians, and arrang- 
ing for a jungle tour. This delusion mercifully lasted 
till his soul passed into the clear light beyond. 

In 1875, Miss Anna Sweet came to Nowgong, to take up 
zenana and school work, while Miss Orrell Keeler labored 
for two years at Gauhati, and then joined Miss Sweet at 
Nowgongc The year 1877 was notable for the first ordi- 
nation of Assamese preachers. A council of missionaries 
and churches met at Gauhati, and ordained Kandura, of 
whom we have heard before, and Charles Sonaram. 
Charles became pastor of the Nowgong Church, and 
continued in the office until his death, in 1881. Rev. 
M. B. Comfort and wife joined the mission in 1867, and 
gave seven years of service. Mr. and Mrs. Neighbor 
were forced to leave in 1878, leaving Miss Keeler aloue 
until the arrival of Rev. P. H. Moore and wife in 1880. 

Mr. Gurney finished the translation of the Bible into 
Assamese, June 21, 1888, having carried it on as best 
he could, with other overwhelming burdens thrown upon 
him, since 1874. The New Testament had been trans- 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 121 

lated and revised by Dr. Nathan Brown years before ; 
and several books of the Old Testament had also been 
translated. Mr. Guruey's portion was twenty-nine and a 
half books. Still further revision was necessary, before 
it could be put to press. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. What is said of Mr. Barker? 

2. When, and how long did Mr. Danforth labor? 

3. Give the story of Kandura. 

4. What was the effect of the mutiny ? 

5. Sketch Mr. Tolman's work. Who were the Mikirs ? 

6. What is said of the hill tribes ? 

7. Who baptized the first representatives from many hill tribes? 

8. When, and by whom, and for whom, was Goalpara opened? 

9. What is said of Mr. Bronson's work ? 

10. W^hat W r estern elements of progress touched the Assam 
valley ? 

11. What is said of Maria Bronson ? 

12. What is said of Mrs. Scott ? 

13. To what people was Mr. Clark inclined ? 

14. When and w T here did he locate among them? 

15. Who succeeded Mr. Scott in the Mikir w T ork ? 

16. What was the story of Maria Bronson's death and burial ? 

17. Tell of the closing years of Dr. Bronson's life. 

18. In what year were Miss Orrell Keeler and Miss Anna Sweet 
sent to Assam? 

19. What is zenana work as done by our missionaries? 

20. For what was 1879 notable ? 

21. When was the translation of the Assamese Bible completed, 
and by whom were its parts done ? 

SUPPLEMENTAKY HEADINGS. 

Missionary Sketches. Assam Missions, Jubilee Volume. Our 
Gold Mine, pages 296-336. Korno-siga, the Mountain Chief, by 
Mrs. Scott. 

LEAFLETS. 

Maria Bronson. The Hill Tribes of Assam. Aitie's Story. 
Humeetra's Own Story. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

THE KOHLS, NAGAS, AND GAROS. 

IN 1876, a tribe about Sibsagor began to attract much 
attention. This people were the Kohls, natives of 
Central India, imported by thousands to work in the tea 
gardens. Baptisms among them became frequent, and it 
was evident that a rich harvest might be gathered. They 
are a race without caste. Mr. Gurney gave them as 
much attention as he could, with translation and the 
Assamese work. The Kohl interest at Sibsagor con- 
trasted strongly with the stony apathy of the Assamese. 
In 1884, Rev. W. E. Witter and Rev. S. W. Rivenburg, 
with their wives, came to Sibsagor just as Mr. Gurney 
was leaving for America. The Rivenburgs were desig- 
nated to Molung, in the Naga Hills. 

Mr. Witter, new to the field and to the language, was 
greatly troubled by the lack of native preachers. The 
Kohl work was inspiring, white to harvest. In 1885> 
Mr. Gurney returned, and ill health drove the Witters 
to the Hills. 

Some of these Christian Kohls have become permanent 

settlers in Assam. Their labor contracts having expired, 

they purchased land and formed communities of their 
122 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 123 

own. The largest of these, fifty miles from Sibsagor, has 
built a neat bamboo chapel, and their influence for good 
is gratifying. 

In 1889, God sent a missionary for the Kohls, Rev. 
E. Petrick, who had labored among this tribe in Chota 
Nagpur. He was led to dissolve his connection with the 
German mission, and entered the service of the Mission- 
ary Union for Kohl work about Sibsagor. Here was an 
experienced missionary, versed in the Kohl and Hindi 
languages, ready for immediate service. A conference 
of Assam missionaries, at Gauhati, joyfully ordained 
Mr. Petrick, welcoming him as a choice laborer for one 
of Assam's destitute fields. His work is already rich in 
results. 

The Nagas, among whom Mr. Clark felt called to 
labor, are divided into many tribes. Mission work has 
been prosecuted among three of them. Mr. Clark's 
large parish is among Ao Nagas. A Christian village — 
Molang — is the central station. In 1885, he was joined 
by the Rivenburgs, and the first fruits of the coming 
harvest were gathered, In 1887, they were transferred 
to another station, and in 1890, Rev. F. W. Kline and 
wife were sent to Molung. In 1889, the church member- 
ship among the Ao Nagas was sixty souls. In 1888, the 
English flag floated over all Naga land, and the Hills 
were at last open to the gospel. 

Rev. C. D. King: came to Assam in 1878, married Miss 



124 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Anna Sweet, of Nowgong, and made several unsuccessful 
attempts to locate among the Angami Nagas. This tribe 
is the fiercest of all. In 1879, following close in the 
wake of British troops, they established themselves for a 
while at Samaguting, but in a few months were driven 
to the plains by a Naga uprising. 1 An English expedi- 
tion punished the refractory Nagas most thoroughly, and 
early in 1881 he received permission to go to Kohima. 
This station is five thousand feet above the sea, beautiful 
for situation, with a delightful climate. Bravely adapt- 
ing himself to circumstances, he began the study of 
Angami. What a work confronted him ! The lan- 
guage, once acquired, must be reduced to writing ; schools 
organized, and school books made; teachers trained, 
preachers raised up from future converts; hymns and 
hymn books prepared, beside tracts and Scripture trans- 
lation. 

The first baptisms were in 1884. Mrs. King joined 
him after a long absence in America. The best site in 
the station was secured for mission buildings, and the 
work was well under way when, in 1886, they were com- 
pelled to bid a sorrowful farewell to their beloved Nagas, 
and seek for health in the home land. 

The next year the Rivenburgs went from Molung to 
Kohima. Alone on the mountain peak, they are still 
laboring, sowing seed in Angami hearts, and trusting 
God for the future harvest. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 125 

The story of the Lhota Naga mission, at Wokha, is a 
brief one. Rev. W. E. Witter and wife located here in 
1886. A good beginning was made, and hopeful indica- 
tions were multiplying, when loss of health made it im- 
perative for them to return to America. 

The work among the Garos extends back to 1863. 
Previous to this, the English Government had estab- 
lished some schools among them, and to this agency we 
are indebted for the earliest native helpers. Omed and 
Eamkhe were baptized by Dr. Bronson in 1863, and 
from the labors of these men a large number of conver- 
sions resulted. 

Goalpara became a Garo station in 1867, under 
the care of the Stoddards. The Garo Hills were still 
hostile country, and this was the nearest Government 
station. The first year closed with a church of forty 
members, with a native pastor. In 1872, Rev, T. J. Keith 
and wife were sent to Goalpara, remaining for only a brief 
term of service. In 1874, Rev. M. C. Mason and Rev. 
E. G. Phillips, with their wives, came to take up the 
work that Mr. Stoddard's broken health compelled him 
to leave. The next year the Garo churches were organ- 
ized into an Association. The churches also pledged 
themselves to support an evangelist in the Hills. A 
good beginning had been made in Garo literature. 

In 1877, Tura, a station in the Garo Hills, was occu- 
pied by Mr. and Mrs. Phillips. From this central loca- 



126 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

tion all parts of the Garo Hills were accessible. In 1878, 
the Goalpara station was abandoned, Mr. Mason remov- 
ing to Tura. 

Miss Miriam Russell was welcomed at Tura in 1889. 
A destructive fire swept away Mr. Mason's bungalow, just 
finished, the school buildings, and nearly all the Garo 
books. Mrs. Mason died in America, in 1882. The next 
year Rev. C. E. Burdette reached Tura, only to be left 
alone by the departure of Mr. and Mrs. Phillips for 
America. In 1884, Mr. Mason returned with his second 
wife, formerly Mrs. Arthur, of Japan. But upon the 
very threshold of her work, God called her to himself. 

At Christmastide, 1884, Miss Russell became Mrs. 
Burdette, and they labored on in the lonely mountain 
station. Later, they were transferred to Gauhati. 

Mr. and Mrs. Phillips returned to Tura in 1885, bring- 
ing with them Miss Ella Bond and Miss Stella Mason. 
In 1890, Rev. W. Dring and wife were sent to Tura. 

The Garo churches are learning the lesson of self- 
support. Great prosperity is evident in church and 
school work. Scriptures are in process of translation, 
text books are in preparation, and a Garo magazine has 
been published for several years. 

Aside from the Hill tribes, there is little to report 
from Assam in these later days. In 1887, Miss C. E. 
Purssell went to Nowgong to take up the school work. 
Miss Orrell Keeler, who had for thirteen years noblv 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 127 

carried the burden, was married to Mr. Mason, of Tura, 
and died eleven days after her marriage. In 1889, Mr. 
Moore returned to his work in Nowgong after a brief 
absence, and shortly after, Mr. Mason married Miss 
Nettie Purssell, for some time on the field. In 1890, 
Miss Laura A. Amy was sent to aid Miss Purssell in the 
school work, and Mr. Penn Moore was associated with 
his brother at Nowgong. 

The thought that originated the Assam mission was 
that an entrance might be gained into China. Burma 
lies just beyond the Hills, and our pioneer missionaries 
long cherished the hope of shaking bands with brethren 
on the Burman frontier. Now, in these later days, the 
way is opening. In 1886, a British force marching from 
Kohima made its way over the Hills into Upper Burma. 
A recent plan proposes to reach the seaboard from Upper 
Burma via Assam, by a line of railway across the Hills, 
to form junction with another line through the Assam 
valley to the sea. Thus is the way of the Lord prepared. 

The statistics for 1891 show a stirring among this con- 
servative people. The Assamese have nine missionaries 
actively at work, eight native preachers, and four hun- 
dred and sixty-seven members. The Garos have eight 
missionaries, twelve native preachers, and twelve hundred 
and seventy-six members. The Nagas have six mission- 
aries on the field, one unordained native preacher, and 
seventy-five members. The Kohls, under care of Mr. 



128 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Petrick and wife, have four churches, with seventy-five 
members and sixty-four baptized, in 1890. 

The Assamese have almost unbounded possibilities 
before them. Patient labor, done in the name of the 
Master, will bring rich reward. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. What is said of the Kohls? 

2. What new workers in 1884? 

3. What is said of Mr. Witter? 

4. What Christian settlements were made in Assam ? 

5. What missionary was appointed to the Kohl work? State 
providential leading. 

6. What is said of the Nagas ? 

7. Describe Mr. Clark's parish, and the station of Moiling. 

8. What changes occurred? 

9. Results in 1889. 

10. What did the English flag proclaim in 1888? 

11. What is said of the Angami Nagas? 

12. Give Mr. King's experience among them. 

13. Describe Kohima in 1881. 

14. Sketch the work before Mr. King, his first baptisms, and 
the close of his work. 

15. What missionaries are now at Molung? 

16. Give the story of the Lhota Naga Mission. 

17. Give the early history of the Garo work. 

18. Who were the first Garos baptized, and by whom? 

19. What is said of Goalpara ? 

20. What new workers came in 1874? 

21. What important events the next year? 

22. Where is Tura, and when opened? 

23. What subsequent events at Tura? 

24. What is said of self-support among the Garos ? 

25. What is said of later work on the plains? 

26. Give the story of Mrs. Orrell K. Mason's life and death. 

27. What is the present state of the work in Nowgong? 

28. Describe the opening way to the Burman frontier. 

29. Give statistics for 1891. 

SUPPLEMENTAKY HEADINGS. 
Leaflet, Mrs. Orrell Keeler Mason. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

BEGINNINGS IN SIAM. 

BURMA is the home of many races. The broad belt 
of mountains that extend southeast from the Hima- 
layas to the Gulf of Siam, having Burma on the west, 
with China, Annam, and Siam on the east, is the home 
of the kindred tribe called Tai, or Shan. Siam is the 
only valley country inhabited by this people. 

The divisions of the Shan family are numerous. Siam 
is now the only independent Tai State, the Siamese living 
in the south, and the Laos in the northern half. The 
Burmese Shans live on the Burman side of the mount- 
ains, while the Chinese Shans belong across the border. 

The languages and traditions of the Tai races show a 
Chinese origin. The religion is Buddhism, mingled with 
demon worship. 

The Baptists established the first mission among the 
Shan races. In 1833, Rev. John Taylor Jones went 
from Burma to Bangkok, Siam. The Burman mission 
was an inspiring fact, and there was a call to enlarge the 
field. It was also hoped that from Siam, so close to the 
Chinese border, an entrance might be gained into the 
Celestial Empire. 

I 129 



130 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Bangkok, the royal city, contained greater numbers 
of Chinese and Burmans than of the native population. 
Mr. Jones was kindly received, and the Government 
offered no opposition. The Siamese language was easy 
of acquisition, and in a year he issued a tract. In 1834, 
he began the translation of the Old Testament. The 
New Testament was completed in 1843. Thus far, the 
printing was done at Singapore. 

In 1839, Mr. Davenport was associated with Mr. Jones, 
and gave nine years of faithful service. Mr. Slafter 
came the same year, but died in 1841. Mrs. Jones' 
death, in 1838, was a sad loss. Other laborers were sent 
at varying intervals, but notwithstanding the faithful 
work of the missionaries, scarcely a convert was gained 
from among the Siamese. A deadly indifference para- 
lyzed all efforts in their behalf. In consequence of this 
fruitlessness, the mission to the Siamese was suspended in 
1869. 

Bangkok had proved a good point for labor among 
the Chinese, and the story of the Chinese mission begins 
in this Siamese capital. 

For nearly twenty years the interest in the Shans 
slumbered. In 1860, Rev. Dr. Bixby and wife were 
designated to the Burman Shans. It was not possible 
to enter Shanland on account of Burman control and 
Buddhist opposition. Just at the time the Bixbys ar- 
rived, ten thousand Shans, driven out by Burmese extor- 



BAPTIST FOKEIGN MISSIONS. 131 

tion, settled ten miles from Toungoo, under British pro- 
tection. Guided by such providential indications, the 
missionaries made their headquarters at Toungoo, where 
a wide and effectual field was opened among the exiled 
Shans. 

Fever showed the place to be unhealthy, and the Brit- 
ish Commissioner removed them, forming several settle- 
ments close by Toungoo. At the end of a year, Dr. 
Bixby writes ; 

" We could seem to see God's hand leading the wan- 
dering Shans to our very door, and to hear his voice 
saying, ' Take these rude children, and train them for 
me, and I will give thee thy wages/ " 

The next year, a chapel, costing one thousand dollars, 
was built with funds raised in Burma and India. A bell 
was sent from America. 

The work grew apace. Dr. Bixby writes, in 1862 : 

" If I could divide myself into one hundred parts, 
every part would, without delay, find a place to work in 
a ripe harvest field." 

The year 1863 witnessed the beginning of the harvest. 
Dr. Bixby 's heart was eager to penetrate Shanland, but 
the way was still hedged. The people were sent to him 
in great numbers. Six young men were under instruc- 
tion, preparing to preach. 

The studies in this theological seminary were conducted 
on the field. Each Scripture lesson, as fast as learned, 



132 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

was given to the waiting people. The work was blessed 
of God. Baptisms were frequent. Constant emigration 
from Shanland widened the field daily. Dr. Bixby was 
constrained to send thrilling appeals for men and money 
to care for this whitening harvest. • 

At last, in December, 1863, Dr. and Mrs. Bixby, with 
native helpers, started on a mountain tour. As there 
was still war in the Shan States, the attempt was a per- 
ilous one. Mrs. Bixby's journal abounds in thrilling 
adventure. They penetrated beyond British boundaries, 
through wonderful scenery, up and down the steep 
mountain paths, when treachery in their camp compelled 
them " to return. Later events opened an easier route, 
and tours in Shanland became a regular part of the 
season's work. Jungle schools, under native teachers, 
were put into operation. 

In 1866, a font of Shan type was made and sent to 
Rangoon, the gift of an American friend. In 1867, the 
arrival of Eev. J. N. and Mrs. Cushing, and Miss Gage, 
rejoiced the heart of the lonely laborers. The Cushings 
at once began the study of Shan, a difficult task without 
grammar or dictionary. Miss Gage studied Burman, the 
language used in the schools. 

In December, Mr. Cushing and Mr. Rose, of the Bur- 
man mission, went to Mandalay. A royal order enabled 
them to make an extended tour in Central Shanland, 
west of the Salwen. The royal pass was written on a 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 133 

narrow strip of palm leaf, four feet long, carried in a 
bamboo covered with a red cloth. The sight of it se- 
cured the respect of the people Without it, the tour 
could not have been made. Tracts and portions of Script- 
ure were scattered all through these remote provinces, 
seed whose harvest will appear in eternity. 

In a tour taken with the Bixbys, Miss Gage speaks 
of reaching a point literally above the clouds. Such is 
mountain travel. 

In 1869, impaired health drove Dr. Bixby to the 
United States, leaving Mrs. Bixby in charge of the Shan 
work in Toungoo. Mr. Cushing removed to Rangoon, 
to superintend Shan printing. He also found many 
Shans in the Rangoon province. A church and school 
were soon tangible results of his work. 

In 1870, Mrs. Bixby joined her husband in America, 
and Miss Gage went to the help of Mr. and Mrs. Doug- 
lass at Bassein. Matters looked dark for the Shan work 
at Toungoo. In November, 1869, the Cushings made a 
live months tour in Shanland, penetrating almost to the 
boundary of China. A spirit of inquiry awoke, but the 
Burman commander of the district suppressed all indi- 
cations of interest in the Christian religion with an iron 
hand. 

Thus, in weariness, peril, and hardship, was the truth 
proclaimed in the mountain homes of the Shan and other 
tribes. More might have been done in a time of peace. 



134 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

But the seed was sown in God's name, and it could not 
fall to the ground void. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. Where is the home of the Shan tribes? 

2. Give the subdivisions and location of the Shan tribes. 

3. What origin is evident? 

4. What is their religion ? 

5. Where is Bangkok? 

6. Give date and history of the establishment of the Bangkok 
mission. 

7. Give account of Mr. Jones' work. 

8. What helpers came in 1839 ? 

9. When was the mission suspended, and for what cause ? 

10. Among what people was work continued in Bangkok? 

11. When did interest in the Shans revive? 

12. What providence decided the Bixbys' location? 

13. What was Dr. Bixby's report at the end of the first year? 

14. How was the chapel built? 

15. Quote Dr. Bixby in 1862. 

16. What is said of the year 1863? 

17. How was theological study conducted, and what was the 
result ? 

18. Give account of first tour in Shanland? 

19. What valuable gift in 1866 ? 

20. What new arrivals in 1867 ? 

21. Why was the mastery of the Shan language difficult ? 

22. Describe tour of Messrs. Gushing and Rose. 

23. What experience -of mountain travel is given by Miss Gage? 

24. What changes in 1869 and 70? 

25. What tour did the Cushings make in 1869 ? 

SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS. 

Missionarv Sketches. Child-life in Burma. Our Gold Mine, 
pages 273-292. 

LEAFLETS. 

The Shan Mission. Zania, the Heathen Mother. 



CHAPTER XX. 

SOWING AND REAPING. 

TN 1870, Mr. and Mrs. Gushing returned to Toungoo. 
-*- They found a desolate station, the church scattered, 
and only a faithful few remaining. Matters soon im- 
proved, and past labors bore their fruit. In November, 
1871, the Gospel of Matthew and a Shan grammar were 
published. Mr. Cushing had also a Shan dictionary in 
hand. Although in feeble health, he accomplished 
marvels, holding services for the Burmans as well as the 
Shans. 

Rev. E. D. Kelley and wife came in 1872. He was a 
born missionary. In nine months he was able to preach 
in Shan, and high hopes were entertained of his future 
usefulness. But his career was suddenly ended. Going 
with Mr. Cushing into Shanland, he was drowned Janu- 
ary 1, 1873. Far from the home station, and the wife 
that loved him, his stricken companions buried him on 
the shore of a mountain lake, where his lonely grave 
still tells of a love that came to save. 

The next year, the Cushings, utterly broken down, 

returned to America, and for years, adversity seemed the 

portion of the Shan mission. In 1879, Mr. and Mrs. 

135 



136 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

B. J. Mix came to Toungoo, but he fell in a few months, a 
victim of consumption. Miss Rockwood came in 1880, 
only to die in one short year. 

The Cushings returned to Burma in 1876. They had 
permission to settle at Bhamo, Upper Burma, if practi- 
cable, expecting a missionary in the fall for the Shan 
mission at Toungoo. In this they were disappinted. 
The needs of Toungoo were imperative. Bhamo must 
be held, or lost forever to American Baptists. So, in 
heroic self-sacrifice, husband and wife separated ; he re- 
maining to hold the fort at Bhamo, while she hastened 
to Toungoo to read proof for the printing of the gospels, 
to oversee the native workers and the schools, and to 
gather, as far as possible, the harvest white for the sickle. 
What wonder that Mr. Cashing sent burning words back 
to America, words of appeal that seemed written with 
his heart's blood ! 

The Ka Khyens had also a share in his anxieties. 
The relative position of the two tribes in Upper Burma 
was such that a mission to the Shans, in the highest 
degree successful, would be dependent on a mission to 
the Ka Khyens, as the latter tribe lived between Bhamo 
and the Shan region beyond. Such a mission would 
keep open the routes to the Shan provinces. Already 
was this new people asking for the gospel. 

In December, 1877, the reinforcements came; Rev. J. 
A. and Mrs. Freidav for the Shans, Mr. and Mrs. Lvon 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 137 

for the Ka Khyens. But in a few short weeks, in 
sight of the mountains where his work lay, Mr. Lyon 
died. 

The vacancy thus made was filled, early in 1879, by 
the arrival of Rev. W. H. Roberts and wife. The un- 
settled state of the country made mission work perilous. 
In the face of anticipated trouble, the missionaries held 
their post, even when warned that they remained in 
Bhamo at the peril of their lives. Mrs. Roberts died at 
Rangoon, in 1880, rejoicing that she had been permitted 
to come to Burma, even for two brief years. Later, Mr. 
Roberts married Miss Alice Buel, of the Kemmendine 
school. The first Ka Khyen baptism occurred March 
19, 1882. 

Mrs. Cushing remained at Toungoo until the close of 
1879. In January, the reunited husband and wife went 
to Rangoon to oversee the printing of Shan religious 
literature. Dr. Cushing wished to give his time largely 
to translation. Mrs. Cushing was compelled to return 
home the next July. Mrs. Kelley returned to Burma 
the same year, locating in the Moulin ein-Thatone dis- 
trict, where she gathered converts into a church, and 
labored successfully until God called her unto himself. 
In 1881, a significant event occurred. The old trade 
route between China and Burma, long closed, was re- 
opened, and caravans entered Bhamo from China. Thus 
was Christ's way being prepared. In 1882, a first edition 



138 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

of the Shan New Testament was printed, with the expec- 
tation of future revision. 

Mr. Freiday was encouraged in his work in Bhamo. 
He secured a Karen preacher and his wife to make their 
headquarters in a Chinese Shan village. 

In September, 1882, Kev. J. E. Case came to the long- 
waiting station of Toungoo. Dr. Cushing, weary and 
worn, was abundant in labors, especially in translations. 

In 1884, the harvest began among the Shans at Bhamo. 
Perilous times were at hand. Some wild Ka Khyens, 
rebelling against Burman rule, attacked Bhamo, and for 
a time all were in great danger. This time success was 
on the side of the Burmans, and soon all was quiet again. 

Suddenly, on the 8th of December, Bhamo was seized 
by a party of Chinese for revenge. The city was soon in 
their hands. They made an effort to protect the mission- 
aries and their property, but they could not control the 
plundering mob. With great difficulty all the mission- 
aries escaped to an English steamer, with the few trifles 
they could carry. Being unable to retake Bhamo, the 
Burmans bought it back, and then completed the destruc- 
tion of the mission building, save Mr. Freiday's new 
house. This was badly damaged. Everything of value 
was stolen or destroyed. 

The next year, while matters were yet in an unsettled 
and dangerous condition, Mr. Roberts bravely went back 
to Bhamo to succor the Karen preachers left on the Ka 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 139 

Khyen hills. But soon the final issue between the Eng- 
lish and Burmans compelled him to leave until after 
Upper Burma had been ceded to the English. Immedi- 
ately after the annexation, Messrs. Freiday and Eoberts 
were at the front as Shan and Ka Khyen interpreters to 
the British army. In a few months Mr. Freiday re- 
turned to America. Mr. Eoberts labored on at Bhamo 
for six years, when he was compelled to recruit at home. 

The first five months of 1884 were spent by Dr. Crush- 
ing with the Colquhoun Exploring Expedition. The 
route was from Moulmein in British Burma to a point 
on the Cambodia river in Siam. Much valuable knowl- 
edge regarding the different tribes was obtained, and his 
strength largely restored. On his return he completed 
the translation of the Old Testament, and his strength 
again failing, he visited the United States for a brief 
change, taking the manuscript with him for revision. 
We find him again in Burma in 1887. 

One result of the war was the unsettled relation of the 
Shan provinces to the English Government. This pre- 
vented mission tours in most parts of Shanland. Toun- 
eoo had two lady teachers, Mrs. Mix and Miss Wilson. 
Dr. Gushing paid monthly visits to administer the ordi- 
nances. Miss Wilson soon left with broken health to 
locate in the cooler climate of Japan. 

Rev. M. B. Kirkpatrick, M. D., and wife, were sent to 
the Shans at Toungoo in 1889. In November, Dr. Cush- 



140 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

ing gratefully records the completion of the revision of 
the Old Testament. In February, 1890, Dr. Cushing 
and Dr. Kirkpatrick selected the site for a station in the 
interior. Thibaw is one hundred and forty miles north- 
east of Mandalay, in the heart of the Shan country. 
This is the first station in Shanland itself. 

In 1890, W. C. Griggs, M. D., and wife, were sent to 
Bhamo, reinforcements for the Shan mission. 

Other races are found in Shanland. A great victory 
awaits God's hosts when they arise in their strength to 
take possession of the mountains. 

Five missionaries are at present on the field, two of 
them at Bhamo. Dr. Kirkpatrick and wife had estab- 
lished themselves at Thibaw in 1891. As the country is 
now safe for foreigners, other stations will be opened as 
rapidly as possible. Great and blessed results are 
expected from the Shan mission in the immediate future. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. What is said of Toungoo in 1870? 

2. What Shan literature was published in 1871 ? 

3. What is said of Mr. Cushing? 

4. Tell the story of Mr. Kelley's brief service, and the circum- 
stances of his death. 

5. What changes and losses in Toungoo ? 

6. Give reasons for the heroic separation of Mr. and Mrs. 
Cushing. 

7. Why was a mission to the Ka Khyens at Bhamo imperative ? 

8. Name reinforcements in 1877. 

9. Whose work was soon ended ? 

10. What is said of the Cushings ? 

11. Where did Mrs. Kelley locate, and what were the results of 
her work ? 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 141 

12. What significant event in 1881 ? 

13. When was the first edition of the Shan New Testament 
printed ? 

14. What is said of the work at Bhamo? 

15. What changes followed at Toungoo ? 
.16. Describe first attack on Bhamo. 

17. Relate the story of the second attack, and its results. 

18. What great political change in 1886? 

19. With what expedition did Mr. Cashing make a tour, and 
in what year ? Give the facts. 

20. W T hat great work did he push forward on his return? 

21. Events on Mrs. Kelley's field. 

22. Give one result of the war, and its relation to mission work. 

23. Work and workers in Toungoo ? 

24. What event in November, 1889 ? 

25. What is said of the establishment of Thibaw ? Why is it 
notable ? 

26. Give present condition of Shan mission work. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

THE CHINESE MISSION AT BANGKOK. 

THE first Baptist missionary endeavor for the Chinese 
was the translation of the Bible, by Dr. Marsh- 
man, of Serampore. He began the work in 1806, revised 
and published it in 1822. 

The story of American Baptist Chinese missions, 
begins in Bangkok, Siam. As China was not yet open 
to the gospel, a field was sought among the large Chinese 
population of that city. Rev. William Dean and wife 
sailed in 1834 to this work. Mrs. Dean died in Singa- 
pore, on her way thither. In June, Mr. Dean began his 
work, and in Decembei*, three Chinese were baptized, 
and added to the four already baptized by Mr. Jones, 
missionary to the Siamese. In 1836, Messrs. Reed and 
Shuck, with their wives, were designated to the Chinese 
mission. Mr. Reed became associated with Mr. Dean at 
Bangkok, while Mr. Shuck sought an opening at Macao, 
a Chinese port under Portuguese jurisdiction. 

The new missionaries had brought a printing press to 

Bangkok, and it was a great aid to both departments of 

the mission. Mr. Dean had a floating house on the river, 

and was indefatigable in his efforts for the Chinese. 
142 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 143 

For a time all seemed prosperous. Mr. Eeed died in 
1837, when just fitted for active work. This was a great 
blow. Mr. Dean took a sea voyage for his health, and 
returned in May, 1837. Mr. Goddard and wife came in 
1840, having studied the language a year in Singapore. 

A second printing press was brought in 1839, by Mr. 
Slafter, who was designated to the Siamese department. 
He lived only eight months. Later, Mrs. Slafter married 
Mr. Dean, and was an efficient helper in his work for 
many years. A theological class was formed in 1841 by 
Mr. Dean. In this the first Chinese preachers were 
trained. In 1842, impaired health made a change of 
climate necessary, and the Deans joined the Hong Kong 
mission, where Mrs. Dean died. Not until 1864, was he 
again located at Bangkok. Mr. Goddard labored alone 
until the coming of Mr. Chandler, in 1843. Although a 
lay worker, he did much to advance Christ's cause, not 
only by direct evangelical work, but by his mechanical 
genius, which made him useful and influential at court. 

In 1848, the Goddards removed to Ningpo, China, and 
established a mission. Three years later, Rev. William 
Ashmore and wife were sent to the languishing station at 
Bangkok, and labored there seven years. We shall hear 
of them later at Swatow. 

The grace of giving began to show itself. The Chi- 
nese converts supported a native assistant, and aided in 
school work. 



144 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

A fire in 1851 caused almost the total destruction of 
mission property. This was, indeed, a heavy loss. In 
1854, Kev. Kobert Telford and wife were sent to Bang- 
kok. Ten years of faithful service, and then Mrs. Tel- 
ford's health made return to America imperative. 

Missionary records are full of romance and heroism. 
In August, 1864, a young man, Kev. Cyrus Chilcott, 
came with high and holy purpose to Bangkok. Ardent 
and gifted, great hopes were centered in his future. But 
a mysterious Providence ordained for him a brief career. 
In one year and five days from his coming, he was buried 
in the little mission cemetery at Bangkok. 

Eleven days before his death, his promised wife, Miss 
Adele M. Fielde, sailed to join him. No wire of com- 
munication could touch her in mid-ocean, and the 
crushing news met her as she landed on stranger shores. 
But she was of heroic stuff, as her later life has abund- 
antly shown. Burying her sorrow and heartbreak, she 
labored many years for the Chinese in Bangkok. Dr. 
Dean returned, and the two were associated in work. 

The years following were of mingled hope and dis- 
couragement. Dr. Dean never faltered in his conviction 
of the vital importance of the mission at Bangkok. In 
1869, Rev. S. B. Partridge and wife came as helpers. A 
glad harvest was reaped, and two churches organized at 
out-stations. 

This same year the Siamese department of the mission 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 145 

was suspended. In 1871, Miss Fielde was transferred to 
Swatow, the scene of her future service. 

The question of the continuation of the Chinese mis- 
sion at Bangkok was raised. The promising openings in 
the empire itself seemed the places to put men and 
means. Dr. Dean uttered an emphatic protest, giving 
such good reasons that he gained the day. 

Mr. Partridge was transferred a little later to Swatow, 
whither Mr. Ashmore had preceded him, and Dr. Dean 
was left to labor alone. 

His faith was justified in 1874. A great awakening 
was apparent. The baptisms in two years rolled up a 
total of three hundred and seventeen, a marvelous record 
in this slow moving land. 

Then came the time of reaction. Dr. Dean left for a 
brief change. He had rounded out forty years' service, 
having organized six Chinese churches, built four chapels, 
and baptized three hundred and thirty-nine Chinese dis- 
ciples. Subsequent years of lonely labor in Bangkok, 
uncheered by an associate missionary, bear record of 
heroic patience and steadfast endeavor. Dr. Dean had 
the confidence of the Siamese kings, and received many 
expressions of regard from the royal palace. In 1882, 
Mrs. Dean's health, which had long been feeble, failed 
utterly, and she sailed for America. Dr. Dean, vener- 
able and weary with continuous service, remained to 
shepherd the little flock in Siam. June 21, 1882, he 



146 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

celebrated his seventy-fifth birthday. At an age when 
most men retire from active labor, he was engaged in 
preaching, teaching, and translating. He was antici- 
pating Mrs. Dean's return, when the news of her death, 
in January, 1883, came with crushing weight. The king 
of Siam sent him an autograph letter of condolence. 

Rev. L. A. Eaton, the long expected associate, arrived 
December 15, 1882. In two years, Dr. Dean returned 
home, after a half century of missionary service. It is 
interesting to note his review of his life. He says: 
" My life has not been one of self-denial or sorrow, but 
of high privilege and personal enjoyment. In some of 
my darkest days, my friends have said in sympathy that 
I was a subject of congratulation rather than condolence; 
and in view of the whole experience of the past, I may 
indorse the sentiment of another, who said, 'Unto me, 
who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace 
given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the un- 
searchable riches of Christ.' " 

After Dr. Dean's departure, the Eatons were alone on 
the field. In 1891, Mrs. Eaton died, and Mr. Eaton, 
sorely bereaved, returned to America to bring his 
motherless children. After placing them with friends, 
he hopes to resume his labors at Bangkok. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. What was the first Baptist effort for the Chinese ? 

2. Describe the opening of Chinese mission work in Bangkok. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 147 

3. Who was the first missionary, and what early results from 
his work ? 

4. Give further particulars of the mission. 

5. When was theological instruction begun ? 

6. When, where, and why did the Deans remove ? 
• 7. What is said of Mr. Chandler ? 

8. In what year did the Goddards remove, and where ? 

9. When did the Ashmores reach Bangkok ? 

10. In what way was the grace of giving evident? 

11. Give later events. 

12. Tell the story of Mr. Chilcott and Miss Fielde. 

13. In what year did Dr. Dean return to Bangkok ? 

14. What new helpers and glad results in 18b9 ? 

15. What field was the scene of Miss Fielde's most successful 
service, and when did she enter it ? 

16. Whose plea saved the Chinese mission at Bangkok? 

17. What changes followed ? 

18. Which were harvest years? Give results. 

19. Sketch Dr. Dean's forty years of service. 

20. What were his relations to the Siamese kings? 

21. What is said of his later years ? 

22. What associate w r as sent, and when ? 

23. Give Dr. Dean's own review of his life. 

24. Give later events. 

SUPPLEMENTAKY HEADINGS. 

Missionary Sketches. Eambles in Mission Fields. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

FROM MACAO TO SWATOW. 

rfIHE first Baptist mission in China was established at 
-*- Macao in 1836, where Rev. J. L. Shuck remained 
three years. In 1841, he was associated with Rev. I. J. 
Roberts. A handful of sheaves was gathered. War 
between England and China interrupted mission work, 
but proved the lever which opened China to the world. 
The island of Hong Kong was ceded to England, and 
five ports opened for foreign residence and commerce. 
In 1842, the missionaries went to Hong Kong, and 
thither Mr. Dean followed, seeking health by change of 
location. Government gave ample grounds for the mis- 
sion, and two chapels were built by foreign residents. 
Soon there was a church of nine members. 

In 1843 Mrs. Dean died. She was a woman of dis- 
tinguished usefulness. Mr. Dean's special work was 
among the people speaking the Tie Chiu dialect, and this 
year he formed them into a Tie Chiu church at Hong Kong. 

Another event of the year was a treaty between the 

United States and China, which secured to Americans all 

advantages possessed by England, and gave our missions 

a recognized footing in the empire. 
148 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 149 

Mr. Roberts soon removed to Canton. Mr. Shuck, 
with Dr. Devan, followed after the death of his wife in 
1844, organized a church, and sailed for the United 
States in 1845, to solicit funds for a chapel. He was 
transferred to the service of the Southern Baptist Con- 
vention soon after its formation, and Mr. Roberts a little 
later. The Missionary Union gave over its mission in 
Canton to the Southern Baptist Board, the latter pur- 
chasing the mission property. 

In 1867, there was a church of sixteen members at 
Hong Kong. Two Chinese women were baptized, the 
first in the history of American Baptist missions in China. 
The next year Rev. J. W. Johnson and wife were sent 
out, and the work made encouraging progress. Tracts 
and portions of Scripture were scattered broadcast. No 
presses are used in China, as printing is done more 
cheaply by natives on wooden blocks. 

There are many hindrances to mission work. Opium 
eating is one of the worst, destroying body, soul, and 
mind. Buddhism makes a desperate fight against Chris- 
tianity, for it knows that its days are numbered. 

The condition of woman in China is not one of abso- 
lute degradation, but it is pitifully below that in a Chris- 
tian country. It is the mothers who perpetuate idolatry. 
When they know a Saviour's love, China will be won for 
Christ. 

In this light, the first school for girls, established in 



150 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

1852 by the wife of a native preacher, was a significant 
event. The training of converted Chinese women for 
evangelical work, has developed a mighty force in the 
empire. 

Persecution appeared. The converts suffered for the 
faith, and became more intense in their devotion. Threat- 
ened hostilities between England and China confined the 
work for a time to the island of Hong Kong. 

After the settlement of difficulties, a wider field opened. 
Swatow, on the mainland, offered grand opportunities for 
work among Tie Chiu population. Mr. Ashmore, re- 
moving from Bangkok in 1858, assumed charge of this 
new station. Swatow became an open port in 1861, and 
on account of its superior advantages for reaching the 
people, it was made the headquarters of the Southern 
China mission, and Hong Kong reduced to an out station. 
As foreigners could not yet live in the city, the mission- 
ary residences were on Double Island, five minutes' sail 
from Swatow. 

In three years the English and American offices were 
removed to the mainland, and it was necessary for the 
mission to follow, for the sake of protection. It was also 
nearer the people. In spite of opposition, there was 
steady advance into the interior. The first Chinese 
preachers were ordained in 1867, and stationed as pas- 
tors over native churches. Liberal giving was a grati- 
fying indication of Christian grace. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 151 

Iii 1867, the Johnsons left Swatow in broken health. 
A special training class for preachers was begun, and bore 
fruit in the increased efficiency of the native helpers. 

Growth in grace was evident among the Chinese Chris- 
tians. In 1870, they assumed the support of two of their 
number, selecting the station, hiring the house, and meet- 
ing nearly the entire expense. 

In 1871, the Johnsons were welcomed back to Swatow, 
and Miss Fielde transferred from Bangkok. A little 
later, Mr. and Mrs. Partridge also came from Bangkok. 
In 1872, Mr. Johnson died, after completing twenty-five 
years faithful service. His wife remained to carry on 
her successful work among Chinese girls, six out of 
fifteen being baptized this year. 

Bible women begin to appear in the records. One 
missionary writes : 

" The difficulty of training Chinese women for evan- 
gelists among their own sex is very great, because of 
their social disability, and the fact that scarcely any of 
them know how to read well. But if China is to be 
saved, this work must be done, for only women can freely 
teach women here, and as in happier countries, woman 
is the power behind the throne." 

Miss Fielde found her special work in training these 
Bible women, and sending them out into the neighboring 
villages. In 1873, she built cottages in different towns 
to accommodate her Bible women while at their work, 



152 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

and affording a home for herself when on her tours of 
superintendence. A building for the theological class 
was erected in Swatow this year, Mr. Ashmore and Mr. 
Partridge dividing the instruction. Miss Fielde prepared 
an outline of the gospel story in simple language for her 
Bible women to scatter among the villages. 

At Mrs. Johnson's departure, the girls' school fell into 
the hands of Mrs. Partridge. The Chinese Christians 
themselves organized a school in Swatow for their chil- 
dren, employing a Christian teacher. 

Mr. and Mrs. McKibben joined the mission in 1875. 
Persecution tested the strength of the converts, and a 
spirit of inquiry was abroad. In 1876, Miss Sophia A. 
Norwood and Mary E. Thompson were added to the 
mission. Twenty Bible women were at work this year, 
and fourteen native preachers. 

The year 1876 was one of great spiritual blessing. One 
hundred and sixty-nine were baptized, and the churches 
grew in grace and strength. Miss Fielde writes : 

" For five years God has answered my prayers directly 
and exactly in every item of work I have laid before 
him." A boys' school at Swatow was also under the care 
of this busy woman. 

Dr. Caroline H. Daniels was a glad Christmas gift to 
the mission, in December, 1878, the first medical lady 
missionary at Swatow. This year, a new requirement 
came into force in the girls' school, now in charge of 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 153 

Miss Norwood. Parents were required to give a bond 
that their daughters' feet should not be bound, and that 
they should not be betrothed to heathen. This was a 
great step in advance. 

In 1879, there were in the Southern China mission, 
with headquarters at Swatow, twenty-six out stations. 
Fourteen native helpers were constantly employed in 
cariag for these scattered flocks, and in evangelizing 
work. There were also volunteer helpers, who supported 
themselves. 

Miss Fielde gives many vivid word-pictures of her 
Bible women. Varying ages are represented, from the 
young women, to those who can only plod through their 
lesson by the aid of the strongest spectacles. The diver- 
sity of character and gifts is often amusing. 

Miss Thompson spent much time touring with her 
Bible women in the outlying districts. Miss Norwood 
was partially engaged in teaching, but found time for 
occasional tours. Mr. Ashmore, assisted by Miss Fielde, 
was making a colloquial translation of the Scriptures, in 
addition to theological instruction, country tours, and the 
care of the Swatow Sunday services. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. Where and what is Macao ? 

2. Who was the first Baptist missionary in China? 

3. Who the later associate ? 

4. What was the result of war between England and China ? 

5. Which were the first five open ports? 



154 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

6. Which of these became the location of the mission, and in 
what year ? 

7. What missionaries were at Hong Kong, and what were the 
early results? 

8. What is said of Mrs. Dean ? 

9. What was Mr. Dean's special work ? 

10. What political event in 1843, and its relation to the work ? 

11. What later changes ? 

12. What Society took the work at Cantpn? 

13. When were the first Chinese women baptized ? 

14. What new helpers the next year ? 

15. Why are not printing presses used in China ? 

16. What is said of opium eating ? 

17. What of Buddhism ? 

18. What is the condition of women in China ? 

19. Why was the first girls' school significant? When and by 
whom established ? 

20. What was the result of persecution ? 

21. Where is Hong Kong ? 

22. What new station, and where situated ? 

23. Who was missionary in charge ? 

24. What is said of Swatow ? 

25. Where were the missionary residences for a time ? 

26. When were they removed to the mainland ? 

27. When was the first ordination of Chinese preachers? 

28. What attempt at theological instruction ? 

29. What evidences of growth in 1870 ? 

30. Give increase of mission force in 1871. 

31. What is said of Mr. Johnson ? 

32. What was Mrs. Johnson's special work ? 

33. What is said of the difficulty and necessity of having trained 
native Christian women as helpers ? 

34. Describe Miss Fielde's special work among Bible women. 

35. Who assumed charge of theological instruction in 1873 ? 

36. What of the girls' schools ? 

37. What new helpers in 1875 ? 

38. How many Bible women and native preachers ? 

39. What glad results in 1876 ? 

40. Give Miss Fielde's testimony. 

41. What Christmas gift in 1878? 

42. State new requirements in girls' school. 

43. Describe foot binding. 

44. Give betrothal customs. 

45. Summary of work in 1879. 

46. What is said of Bible women ? 

47. What was Mr. Ashmore's work ? 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 155 

SUPPLEMENTAEY HEADINGS. 

Missionary Sketches. In the Far East, by Miss Geraldine 
Guinness. Pagoda Shadows, by Miss Fielde. 

LEAFLETS. 

AVomen in China. Silver Flower. Infanticide in China. Out 
of the Depths. Sister Yong's Family. In Boats, Carts, Homes, 
and Hearts in China. Glimpses into Chinese Homes. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

RESULTS. 

TN May, 1880, Miss Fielde gives this glimpse of her 
■*- work : 

" All the Bible women came in, April 1st, for a months 
course of study. Two women are assisting in teaching, 
eighteen are studying Genesis, and thirteen are learning 
to read. I teach them for two and a half hours each 
morning. Miss Norwood hears the beginners, and Dr. 
Ashmore gives them all a half-hour's exposition of doc- 
trine daily." 

Miss Norwood adds this personal description : 

"A strange-looking assembly they surely are. The 
most of them are browned and sun-burned, nearly all 
are wrinkled, more from hardship than old age ; but all 
have that in their faces that makes them different from 
any similar company of heathen women ; a something 
that is peculiar to the faces of those whose names are 
written in the Book of Life." 

This same year the Partridges returned to Swatow, 

after a brief furlough. Be v. William Ashmore, Jr., and 

wife joined the mission. He soon relieved Miss Fielde 

of the care of the boys' school. Dr. Ashmore was griev- 
156 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 157 

ously afflicted by disease of the eyes, laying him aside 
from active service for more than three years. Yet, 
even in his semi-blindness, he continued to do much val- 
uable work. 

The colloquial versions were a great aid in imparting 
Scripture knowledge. The book language of China is 
understood only by scholars. The fixed sounds of the 
Chinese tongue, translated into the language of common 
speech, were used, so that a precise meaning was secured 
for every sentence in Scripture in a form understood by 
all. Such a version also secures us a form of written Chi- 
nese, which almost every one, old or young, can be taught 
to read. 

The Tie Chiu population, the object of the Swatow 
mission, occupies the plains near the sea coast. In the 
hill country, back from the sea, are the Highlanders of 
China, the Hak-ka people, with a different dialect. Gos- 
pel work was begun among them by a Hak-ka convert. 
In May, 1881, Mr. McKibben made a tour in this region. 
He found a beautiful, fertile country, with striking 
scenery. The people were more cleanly and thrifty than 
in the lowlands. The Hak-ka women seemed like a dif- 
ferent race. Foot binding was unknown, and they were 
bright, strong faced, and intelligent Near the borders 
the people were asking for the gospel. The result of this 
tour was that the McKibbens and Miss Thompson, having 
learned the Hak-ka language, removed in 1882 to Mun 



158 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Keu Liang, to take up regular work among the Hak-kas. 
Here they remained the greater part of the year, return- 
ing to Swatow during the unhealthful months. 

Miss C. H. Daniels, M. D., had passed through a se- 
vere experience in becoming acclimated. While learning 
the language, she did not seek general medical work. 
When she was ready for it, she found her hands more 
than full with the physical needs surrounding her. In 
giving bodily aid, many opportunities occurred for soul 
aid as well. 

Mrs. Partridge died January 31, 1882. Hardly a 
year had passed since she returned to her work in China. 
It was a sudden and severe blow to the mission. Dr. 
Daniels opened her hospital, and cared for over one 
thousand patients during the year. Miss Fielde was 
compelled to take a vacation, after years of continuous 
service. After superintending the printing of her 
Swatow Dictionary at Shanghai, she sailed for the 
United States. 

In 1884, Dr. Ashmore's recovered eyesight, after a 
trip to the cooler climate of Japan, is gratefully noted. 
Dr. Daniels' hospital work was remarkably successful. 
One Bible woman gave her entire time to work among 
the patients. 

Many of the books of the New Testament were now 
in colloquial form, and thus accessible to the common 
people. The Bible women use no other in their work. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 159 

Mr. Partridge, after a brief absence, returned with a 
wife. They were accompanied by Miss Minnie Buzzell, 
Oregon's gift to China. 

* Stormy times were at hand. War between France 
and China intensified the hatred against all foreigners, 
and stirred up the disturbing element among the people. 
Mobs do not make . nice distinctions, and while the osten- 
sible intention was to drive out the Eoman Catholics 
with their French priests, all the missionaries and con- 
verts were in danger. There was a strong desire to 
sweep all foreigners from the Empire. British gunboats 
reminded the magistrates of treaty obligations, and be- 
yond the destruction of a few chapels, no great hurt was 
permitted. 

After the excitement had died away, in 1885, Miss 
Thompson went once more to Mun Keu Liang, among 
her beloved Hak-kas. The McKibbens had gone to 
America, so she was alone ; but not alone, for God was 
with her. 

The Swatow missionaries were very busy. A typhoon 
had wrecked all the missionary boats, and new ones must 
be built. New chapels must take the place of those 
destroyed. All this, in addition to the labors pressing 
hard on every hand. Miss Norwood, so faithful and 
successful, married Dr. Lyle, of the Presbyterian Hospital. 
Mrs. Ashmore's failing health compelled their return to 
America this same year. She died in September. Dr. 



160 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Daniels' strength also failed under her heavy burdens, 
and she too left for home. In 1886, Miss Thompson 
sorrowfully bade farewell to China, leaving the Hak-ka 
work without a missionary. In October, Miss Fielde 
returned, after three and a half year's absence. Christmas 
Day, Miss Clara M. Hess reached Swatow, joyfully wel- 
comed by Miss Buzzell. But their anticipations of work 
together were blasted by Miss BuzzelPs sudden illness, 
and her enforced return. The next year, Mr. and Mrs. 
Wm. Ashmore, Jr., came home. 

The missionaries for the Hak-kas, Rev. George Camp- 
bell and wife, arrived late in 1887, also Rev. J. M. Fos- 
ter, designated to Swatow. He married Miss Hess in 
1889. Dr. Ashmore returned to Swatow to attend to 
some necessary matters, prior to assuming his work as 
Home Secretary of the Missionary Union. Early in 
1889, Rev. J. S. Norvell and wife were sent to the 
Hak-kas. 

The medical work so efficiently begun by Miss Daniels, 
M. D., was taken up this year by Dr. A. K. Scott, formerly, 
,with her lamented husband, located in Assam. No longer 
needed by her children, she devoted herself anew to 
missionary work, leaving a lucrative practice in Cleve- 
land, Ohio, to care for bodies and souls in China. 

Dr. Ashmore did a grand but brief work in America. 
His heart was in China, and soon we find him back on 
the field, with the added responsibility of looking after 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 161 

missionary interests in Japan, in behalf of the Executive 
Committee. He reached Swatow in time to bid farewell 
to the Partridges and to Miss Fielde. He writes: "Miss 
Fielde is packed, and all ready to depart. She came out 
to the mission field about twenty-three years ago, to join 
a devoted young man to whom she had been engaged, 
but on her arrival found herself plunged in a tremendous 
grief. She decided to remain and take up work as best 
she could, but Siam is not a good place for work among 
Chinese women. When she came to Swatow, she found 
a vast and open field in which she could reach the women 
of China. She began to organize that splendid addition 
to the main work, known as Bible- woman's work. She 
picked out and trained a company of them, and directed 
them with marvelous grip. But now she has to go. She 
can no longer live in a hot climate. Indeed, for the past 
two years she has not been able to encounter the hardship 
of country work that once only put an edge on her 
splendid powers of endurance. Eare qualities of body, 
mind, and heart have been laid by her, with unselfish 
devotion, on the altar of service for the women of China. 
To-morrow, Miss Fielde will take her leave forever of 
these granite hills, these clinging Bible women, and these 
churchless multitudes." 

On September 4, 1890, Dr. Ashmore married Mrs. L. 
A. Brown, of Japan, widow of Dr. Nathan Brown, of 
blessed memory. Dr. Scott welcomed her daughter, Miss 



162 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Mary K. Scott, also Miss Dunwiddie, to the work in 
Swatow. The reinforcements were larger than in any 
previous year. Mrs. Scott's medical work, in the report 
for 1891, shows most gratifying results. A new station 
was opened at Kayin, in the Hak-ka country, under 
charge of Kev. George Campbell and wife and Miss Ella 
Campbell. 

The signs of the times are significant in China. Slow 
and conservative, she will yet be the power that shall 
influence Asia for Christ. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. Give Miss Fielde's glimpse of her work. 

2. Miss Norwood's personal description ? 

3. What addition to the mission force in 1880? 

4. How was Dr. Ashmore afflicted ? 

5. What is said of the colloquial version ? 

6. Where is the Tie Chiu population found ? 

7. What is said of the Hak-kas ? 

8. Describe Dr. McKibben's tour in 1881. 

9. What was its result? 

10. Give facts regarding Dr. Daniels and the medical work. 

11. What great loss did the mission sustain in 1882 ? 

12. What encouragements in 1884? 

13. Who was Oregon's gift to China ? 

14. What hindrances arose from the war between France and 
China? 

15. What special labor resulted for the missionaries ? 

1 6. What loss of workers ? 

17. What reinforcements in 1887 ? 

18. What work in America awaited Dr. Ashmore ? 

19. Bv whom and when was the medical work re-opened ? 

20. What is said of Dr. Scott ? 

21. What drove Dr. Ashmore back to China? What added 
responsibility had been given him ? 

22. Give his review of Miss Fielde's work. 

23. Describe later events. 

24. What new Hak-ka station was opened, and by whom ? 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSION IN CANTON. 

TN 1845, Messrs. J. L. Shuck and T. T. Devan removed 
-■- to Canton, and organized the First Baptist Church. 
In 1846, Mr. Shuck visited the United States, accom- 
panied by Yong, a Chinese preacher, with whom he 
canvassed the South for funds to build a chapel at 
Canton. No religion is respected by the Chinese that 
is not represented by a public building. His addresses, 
and those of Yong, aroused great enthusiasm. 

The Southern Baptist Convention had been organized 
in 1845, and Messrs. Shuck and Eoberts became its 
missionaries. In June, 1846, Messrs. Clopton and 
Pearcy, with their wives, were designated to Canton, the 
first appointed missionaries of the Southern Board. 
Messrs. Tobey and Yates were set apart to open a mission 
at Shanghai, and Mr. Shuck was transferred thither to 
aid in establishing the new station. The chapel fund of 
five thousand dollars, which he had collected, was trans- 
ferred with him to Shanghai. 

In 1847, Mr. Clopton died, and Mrs. Clopton and 

child returned to America. A chapel was erected at 

Canton with funds contributed by foreign residents. Dr. 

163 



164 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Devan retired from Canton, and the Missionary Union 
surrendered the field to the Southern Board, the latter 
society purchasing the mission property. 

The mutterings of war between England and China 
had sadly interrupted the work, but peace was restored 
the year of Mr. Clopton's death. Mr. Pearey's health 
failed rapidly, and in 1848 he was transferred to the 
higher latitude of Shanghai. He retired from the 
mission in 1855. 

Rev. Francis Johnson was appointed in 1846, as 
" Theological Tutor and Missionary " to China. He 
was distinguished for linguistic ability. Failing health 
compelled him to return in 1849. 

Miss Harriet Baker reached Canton in 1850, the first 
single lady missionary appointed by the board. Her 
especial work was the care of a girls' school. Her 
appointment was considered a doubtful experiment. 
Unfortunate events connected with the mission, and Miss 
Baker's early failure of health, causing her to return in 
1854, did not bring this new policy into favor. Later 
years have proved the inestimable value of woman's 
work abroad, accomplishing what man alone could never 
do. 

Rev. "W. B. Whilden and wife were designated to 
Canton in 1848. It was the prayers of his wife that 
led him to be a missionary. This devoted woman went 
to her heavenly rest in 1850. Mr. Whilden took his 



BAPTIST FOKEIGN MISSIONS. 165 

motherless children to America, and Mr. Roberts being 
also absent, Mrs. Roberts and Miss Baker were for a 
time in sole charge, aided by native assistants. 

. Mr. Roberts, although zealous, was not a prudent mis- 
sionary. His connection with the Board ceased in 1851. 
He continued, however, an independent work. 

There were now two chapels in Canton. Mr. Whilden 
returned in 1853, with a second wife, and labored faith- 
fully and successfully until 1855, when his wife's partial 
blindness caused a reluctant farewell to China. 

In 1854, Rev. C. W. Gaillard and wife came to the 
almost deserted field. Yong was of untold value as 
their assistant. Reinforcements were pleaded for, again 
and again, and in 1856, Rev. R. H. Graves, M. D., and 
wife, were sent to his aid. War again interrupted mis- 
sionary effort, and Canton was abandoned for a time. 

Work was resumed in 1858. In 1860, signs of pros- 
perity appeared, and a harvest began, there being bap- 
tisms nearly every month in the year. The war at home 
also compelled retrenchment, and Mr. Gaillard writes : 
" If necessity compels you to call home any of the mis- 
sionaries, I beg that I may be the last. I have no desire 
and no idea of ever seeing America ; and when I go to 
heaven, I want a whole army of these people to go with 
me." 

He never saw America again. In July, 1862, he was 
killed in a terrible typhoon, under the falling timbers of 



166 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

his house. In 1863, Mrs. Gaillard married Dr. Graves, 
but in another short year her earthly work was ended. 

Rev. John Griffith Schilling and wife labored in 
Canton from 1860 to 1864. The civil war in America 
compelling severe retrenchment, the missionaries reduced 
their salaries one-fifth, while the pay of the native 
helpers was reduced one-tenth. 

After Mr. Schilling's departure, Dr. Graves was the 
only American missionary, assisted by Yong, and Wong 
Mui, the "Luther of the Chinese Christians." In 1866, 
Dr. Graves had eight assistants, by whose aid the gospel 
was carried far into the interior. In a single year, this 
indefatigable missionary traveled sixteen hundred miles 
on Chinese boats, and distributed nine thousand six 
hundred and fifty-eight tracts. His literary labors were 
also abundant, and the calls upon his medical skill 
continual. 

In 1868, the Board urged him to return to Maryland, 
and recruit his failing health. But he would not then 
leave his beloved work, with a chapel just begun. Two 
years later, after thirteen years of exhaustive and contin- 
uous toil, he sailed for home, occupying the most of his 
vacation with labor for the Chinese in California. 

Rev. E. Z. Simmons and wife began work in Canton in 
1871. There were now four churches in the city and 
vicinity, and one hundred and thirty-five church mem- 
bers. In 1874, Mrs. Simmons' illness drove them from 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 167 

China. Full of missionary zeal, they labored in San 
Francisco for the Chinese until 1880, when they returned 
to Canton, accompanied by Miss Sallie Stein. 

•In 1872, Dr. Simmons returned to China with a large 
missionary party, among whom were the two daughters 
of the sainted Mrs. Whilden, whose dying prayer had 
been that her children might " spend and be spent for 
the heathen." One was married, and went out with her 
husband, Kev. N. B. Williams ; the other, Miss Lulu 
Whilden, also consecrated her young life to her mother's 
work. Mrs. Williams' health compelled the return of 
herself and husband in 1876. 

Dr. Graves, again blessed with a devoted wife, resumed 
work with his old energy, training native preachers, per- 
forming literary labor, meeting the heavy demands of 
medical work, besides general superintendence of the 
mission. 

In 1880, there was, for the first time, a mission house 
in Canton. Dr. Graves reported seventy-nine baptisms, 
and in 1881 there was a church membership of three 
hundred and fifty-seven. 

In 1884, Rev. F. C. Hickson and wife, and Miss Emma 
Young were added to the missionary force. The next 
year, the French-Chinese war caused great distress and 
hindrance. Some chapels and schoolhouses were de- 
stroyed. In 1886, fearful floods devastated the country ; 
but in sorrow and loss the work prospered. The native 



168 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Christians gave nobly to rebuild their ruined chapels 
Four hundred dollars being also sent by Canton Chris- 
tians to America. 

Yong, connected with the mission since 1845, and sup- 
ported by the Ladies' Missionary Society of the First 
Baptist Church of Richmond, Virginia, fell asleep in 
Jesus in 1882. He had done a noble work among his 
countrymen. 

In 1885, a Baptist Association was organized in Can- 
ton, composed of representatives from six bodies. The 
next year, Dr. Graves expressed gratitude that the work 
of "preaching," "self-help/' "Bible classes," "schools," 
" woman's work," " tract and Scripture distribution," and 
"medical dispensation," were going on so favorably. 
Mrs. Graves died in San Francisco, on her way home, in 
in April, 1888. A Chinese convert said of her : 

"Jesus Christ lived on earth a long time ago, and 
now he is far off in heaven ; but when I see how Mrs. 
Graves lives and loves, I can understand what Jesus was 
like." 

This same year, the Canton mission was reinforced by 
Mrs. Sanford, Miss H. F. North, a self-supporting mission- 
ary, and Miss Nellie Hartwell. These had been engaged 
in the Canton Chinese work on the Pacific Coast, and were 
" valuable additions." Dr. Graves returned to Canton 
in 1889. Still later, Miss Mollie McMinn was added to 
the working force. The next year, Dr. Graves and Mrs. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 169 

Sanford were married. The mission rejoiced greatly in 
welcoming back Mr. and Mrs. Simmons, and Miss Lulu 
Whilden, as "laborers so devoted." 

Dr. Graves reports as follows for the year 1890-91 : 
<k The year has not been marked by unusual success. 
There have been seventy-eight baptisms, four hundred 
and twenty pupils in seven schools, thirteen stations and 
out-stations, twenty-two native workers, five hundred 
and thirty church members, and contributions amount- 
ing to six hundred and forty-one dollars." 

So the good work goes on. Here and there, in China, 
are centres of gospel light. God hasten the day when 
these shall meet, and the whole land be one blaze of 
glory ! 

QUESTIONS. 

1. Give the story of Mr. Shuck's connection with the mission. 

2. Who were the first appointed missionaries of the Southern 
Board? 

3. Who were designated to begin the mission at Shanghai ? 

4. In what year did the missionaries retire from Canton ? 

5. What is said of Messrs. Pearcy and Clopton ? 

6. What of Francis Johnson ? 

7. Give account of Miss Baker's work. 

8. Relate the story of the Whildens. 

9. What changes later ? 

10. Who were sole missionaries in 1854? 

11. What additions two years later? 

12. What interruption followed? 

13. What year of harvest ? 

14. What was Mr. Gaillard's request ? 

15. What was his fate? 

16. What is said of Mrs. Gaillard ? 

17. What was Mr. Schilling's term of service? 

18. What was one effect of the war? 

19. What is said of Dr. Graves' work? 



170 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

20. Give account of work of Mr. Simmons and wife. 

21. What dying prayer was answered in 1873, and how? 

22. What is said of Dr. Graves ? 

23. Give report of work in 1880. 

24. What additional workers in 1884? 

25. What troubles followed? 

26. W T hat is said of Yong? 

27. W T hen were the churches organized into an Association ? 

28. W T hat deparments of work are mentioned by Dr. Graves ? 

29. What is said of Mrs. Graves ? 

30. Give facts regarding reinforcements in 1888. 

31. What further events the next year ? 

32. Give Dr. Graves' report. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

QUIET GROWTH IN CHINA. 

nVTINGPO, one of the five open ports, in an early day 
-^ is the headquarters of this mission. In 1843, Dr. 
Macgowan opened a hospital in Christ's name. For four 
years he labored alone. In 1849, twelve thousand nine 
hundred and fifty-six patients were treated, and a like 
proportion in later years. Rev. and Mrs. E. C. Lord 
came in 1847. The same year a church was organized 
at Ningpo. In 1849, the church contributed for religious 
purposes, at the rate of ten dollars and fifty cents per 
member. In 1848, Mr. Goddard was transferred from 
Bangkok to prosecute the work of Scripture translation. 
He completed the New Testament in 1853, and the Old 
as far as Leviticus. He died in 1854, greatly lamented. 
The same year, Rev. Miles Knowlton and wife came to 
Ningpo and began work with characteristic zeal. A 
mission was begun on the island of Chusan and a church 
organized. 

While there was no marked ingathering at Ningpo, 
the church grew steadily, with deep and broad founda- 
tions. Rev. H. Jenkins and wife joined the mission in 

1859. Outstations increased in number. A boarding 

171 



172 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

and day school was conducted by Mrs. Lord. The women 
were also reached, a marked evidence of progress. Thir- 
teen women were baptized in 1863. Dr. Macgowan now 
withdrew from the mission. 

Bible women were first employed in 1865. The native 
church at Ningpo supported its own pastor, some giving 
out of their poverty over a dollar per month. A theo- 
logical class was begun. 

Hangchow, a city of four hundred thousand inhabit- 
ants, was made an outstation in 1867. Kev. J. R. God- 
dard, son of the former missionary, came to Ningpo in 
1868. His early knowledge of Chinese returned at once, 
so there was no tedious delay with the language. In 
three months his young wife died. One incident in her 
history is thrillingly interesting in this connection. 

In her girlhood days Mrs. Goddard worked in a 
Massachusetts cotton factory. A Christian girl in the 
same mill, learning of her burning desire for an educa- 
tion, with view to work abroad, paid her expenses at 
school out of her slender earnings, denying herself needed 
food and clothing. This noble friend lived long enough 
to see her fitted for labor in China. God accepted the 
sacrifice, and then summoned the young worker home. 

Want of means and lack of laborers alone prevented 
a great ingathering. In 1870, Mr. Goddard was left 
alone, the Knowltons being home on furlough. Mr. Jen- 
kins had removed to Hangchow. In November, Mr. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 173 

Goddard married Miss F. A. Dean, daughter of Dr. 
Dean, of Bangkok. She was already an experienced 
missionary. 

The first Baptist Association in China was formed in 
1872, with six churches and two hundred and nineteen 
members. The Knowltons returned in the same year. 
In two years Dr. Knowlton suddenly died. He was 
greatly loved by the Chinese, who called him the Con- 
fucius of the West. Their language could express no 
higher honor. 

Kev. M. A. Churchill and wife came in 1874, but Mrs. 
Churchill died within a year. Dr. S. P. Barchet came 
to take up the medical work so successfully carried on 
by Dr. Macgowan twenty-five years before. Mr. Churchill 
removed to Hangchow in 1877, but after a brave fight 
with disease, he returned to America. Mr. Jenkins had 
permanently located at Shaohing, a station in the hills, 
with six preaching places. In December, 1879, Misses 
F. B. Lightfoot and Emma Inveen came to Ningpo, the 
gift of the Woman's Society of the West. Early in 1881, 
Rev. G. L. Mason and wife reached Ningpo. 

In addition to all the other pressing work, Mr. God- 
dard was pushing forward the translation of the Script- 
ures into the Ningpo colloquial. The boys' boarding 
school completed its first year successfully, the native 
Christians contributing one hundred and fifty dollars 
toward its support, the annual amount pledged. Two 



174 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

hundred and twenty-five opium patients were cured at 
the hospital in 1881. This kind of medical work appeals 
directly to the hearts of the Chinese. 

Mr. Jenkins, at Shaohing, was making heroic sacrifice. 
The needs of the children in America becoming impera- 
tive, Mrs. Jenkins returned in 1880, each consenting to 
the separation that he might preach Christ to the Chinese. 

The Chekiang Association now contained thirteen 
churches, ten belonging to the Missionary Union and 
three to the Southern Baptist Convention, Dr. Yates, of 
Shanghai, bringing in his delegates in 1881. 

Mrs. Lord died in August of this year. Soon after her 
death, Dr. Lord, retiring from the American Consulate 
he had held for seventeen years, engaged again in mission 
work. 

In 1883, a sanitarium was established in the hills, as 
a retreat for the missionaries during the hot months. 
Larchfield was the means of refreshing and strengthen- 
ing many a weary laborer, and while it did not remove 
the need of an occasional vacation at home, it often 
lengthened the term of continuous service by several 
years. 

This same year, Rev. J. S. Adams, formerly a mission- 
ary of the China Inland mission, was ordained at 
Ningpo in October, and located at Kinhwa, under ser- 
vice of the Missionary Union. Thus was another 
experienced, acclimated laborer secured. In 1884, Dr. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 175 

Lord and Miss Flora B. Lightfoot were married. Mr. 
Jenkins went to America for a brief rest, and joined his 
family in Hamilton. 

Not having seen his children for ten years, they had 
grown out of his recollection. Mr. and Mrs. Mason 
removed to Shaohing, to care for the work during his 
absence. 

Mr. Goddard thus compares past and present : "Much 
of the work done has been of that commonplace char- 
acter which admits of little description. This has been 
the characteristic feature of the work among all the 
missions in Ningpo for many years. My mind goes back 
thirty-five years to the time I first came to Ningpo with 
my parents. Then there were not a dozen native Chris- 
tians in the whole region. Not one of the half dozen 
large chapels now standing in the city had been erected, 
not an outstation had been opened, or would be allowed 
at that time. Our audiences were wholly heathen, 
irregular and noisy. What a contrast to the quiet, well- 
dressed, devout congregation of the present ! There are 
perhaps half a hundred outstations scattered through 
the outlying towns and villages." 

Miss Inveen returned home in 1886, and Mr. and Mrs. 
Jenkins, reunited in work, sailed for Shaohing. 

The summer of 1887 was a cholera summer. The 
mission was sadly bereaved in the death of Dr. and Mrs. 
Lord, September 15th and 17th. Dr. Barchet was 



176 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

brought near to death, and Mr. Goddard seriously 
threatened, but a merciful providence spared their lives. 
Perhaps a juster estimate of the life and labors of Dr. 
Lord cannot be found than in these words of Dr. Bar- 
eness : " Toiling on these forty long years for the 
welfare of China, we cannot begrudge Dr. Lord the rest 
he now enjoys ; but we miss his wise counsels and the 
fellowship of a noble worker for Christ. He justly 
gained, the esteem of both foreigners and natives. His 
unflagging industry is shown in the translations he 
made from the Ningpo colloquial, besides superintending 
schools and taking care of a theological class. Neither 
did he forget the cause of Christ in his official capacity 
during the years he held the United States Consulate at 
Ningpo." 

Mrs. Lord had well begun a good work when God 
called her to a higher sphere. Seeing death so near she 
was quite resigned. She only expressed the wish that 
Dr. Lord might die at the same time ; and this was 
mercifully granted. 

We need not look outside of missionary annals for 
heroic deeds. 

The attempts of Rev. G. L. Mason to plant the 
standard of the cross in the interior of China proved 
him a man of soldierly mettle. His experiences in 1886 
are thus described: " Huchow, China, has been a heathen 
fortress that defied assault. Many efforts have been 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 177 

made to establish a station there, but the hostility of the 
people has rendered them abortive. Mr. Mason has 
been making quiet attempts to secure a foothold in that 
city for more than a year. The man who rented him a 
house was threatened and fled. So they imprisoned his 
wife. They threatened to burn the house ; they broke 
into it and stole or destroyed his property ; they threat- 
ened to kill him. But by persistent courage, good 
humor, tact, and faith, he has fairly worn out the oppo- 
sition, and is living within the hostile city with his 
family. Their situation was dangerous for a time, but 
all became quiet at last. By wearing the native dress, 
and retaining the Chinese appearance of the house, Mr. 
Mason succeeded in establishing himself where all others 
had failed." 

Many missionaries in China have worn the native 
dress. It is decent, comfortable, comely, and health tul; 
and in the far interior, mission work would be impossible 
without it. 

Rev. L. A. Gould settled in Ningpo, November 4, 
1886. Misses S. A. Young and C. E. Eighter were 
designated to Kinhwa in 1889. Miss H. L. Corbin was 
sent to Ningpo the year previous. 

The theological class had been removed to Shaohing, 
under the care of Mr. Jenkins. Thither, in 1889, Mr. 
Gould was transferred to aid in this and other important 
work. 



178 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Miss Elizabeth Stewart, in 1889, thus speaks of the 
Romanized colloquial translation : " What would our 
women in Ningpo do without our Romanized system? 
As it is, the average woman can read her testament and 
hymn book in three months. Women over fifty and 
sixty learn to read. Seed is scattered plentifully, and 
living seed must fructify. ,, 

Dr. Barchet, feeble and broken, was holding on to his 
work for China. Rev. J. S. Grant, M. D., arrived in 
Ningpo in 1890, to take the medical department from 
his trembling hands. 

At an associational meeting in 1889, the question was 
discussed among the native Christians : " What shall the 
girls be taught ? " Tiie answer, promptly given, was a 
revelation of progress : " What our sons are taught, 
teach our daughters." 

The report of 1891 shows the same quiet growth 
that has always characterized the Eastern China mis- 
sion. Mr. Jenkins at Shaohing is devoting himself 
principally to the theological school, assisted by Rev. 
L. A. Gould. 

China's white fields, vast and fertile, call loudly for 
men, money, and prayers. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. Where is Ningpo ? 

2. What form of work was first attempted, when, and by 
whom. 

3. What two events in 1847 ? 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 179 

4. In two years, what rate per member of contributions ? 

5. For what work was Mr. Goddard transferred from Bang- 
kok ? What did he accomplish ? 

6. Give date of his death. 

7. What new workers the same year? 

8. What new mission was begun? 

9. Give subsequent events. 

10. When were Bible women first employed? 

11. What beginnings of self-support at Ningpo? 

12. What is said of Hangchow ? 

13. What new worker in 1868 ? 

14. Relate incident in Mrs. Goddard' s history. 

15. Note subsequent events. 

16. What occurred in 1872 ? 

17. What is said of Dr. Knowlton ? 

18. What of the Churchills? 

19. Who came to take up Dr. Macgowan's work ? 

20. What new station had Mr. Jenkins opened ? 

21. What gift sent by the Woman's Board in 1879 ? 

22. What other new workers ? 

23. In what special work was Mr. Goddard engaged? 

24. Give facts regarding boys' boarding school. 

25. Of the medical work. 

26. What sacrifice was made by Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins? 

27. Of what was the Chekiang Association composed ? 

28. What office had Dr. Lord held for seventeen years ? 

29. Where and what is Larchfield ? 

30. What new worker was secured in 1885 ? 

31. What event in 1884 ? 

32. What changes at Shoahing ? 

33. Give Mr. Goddard's comparison of past and present. 

34. What occurred during the cholera summer of 1887 ? 

35. Give Dr. Barchet's estimate of Dr. Lord. 

36. What is said of Mrs. Lord? 

37. Give the story of Mr. Mason's signal victory at Huchow. 

38. What is said of the native dress of missionaries? 

39. What new workers came subsequently ? 

40. By whom and where was theological instruction given ? 

41. What does Miss Stewart say of the Romanized colloquial ? 

42. Who assumed Dr. Barchet's work, and when ? 

43. What revelation of progress appears ? 

44. What has been the characteristic of the Eastern China 
mission ? 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

THE CENTRAL CHINA MISSION. 

SHANGHAI is one thousand miles north of Canton, 
and in almost the same latitude as Savannah, Ga. 
The second China mission of the Southern Baptist Con- 
vention was established here in 1847, by Messrs, Yates, 
Shuck, Tobev, and their wives. Later came Rev. A. B. 
Cabaniss and wife, Rev. T. P. Crawford and wife, Dr. 
G. W. Burton, and Miss Baker. 

Dr. M. T. Yates, the founder of the Shanghai mission, 
was designated to his life work in December, 1846, to- 
gether with Rev. T. M. Tobey and Dr. J. Sexton James, 
with their wives. Rev. J. L. Shuck, of the Canton 
mission, had been transferred to the new station. They 
all reached Shanghai in 1847, except Dr. James and 
wife, who found a grave in the ocean in sight of their 
destination. The Tobe} r s returned in 1850, on account 
of shattered health. 

Of the early reinforcements, Mr. Cabaniss and wife 

labored faithfully six years, when they left, hoping 

with renewed strength to return, which hope was never 

realized. 

Dr. Burton entered upon his work with such zeal 
180 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 181 

as to induce an early attack of brain fever, which neces- 
sitated a furlough. With restored health, and a wife, he 
returned in 1854, and labored for seven years with 
marked success. 

At the end of the first decade, we find on the field 
Messrs. Yates, Cabaniss, Crawford, and Dr. Burton, with 
their families. The state of the work was encouragiug. 

The years following were those of the terrible civil 
war in China, and a little later in America. The mis- 
sion was sadly hindered by this twofold obstacle. But 
although supplies were greatly diminished, congregations 
and schools broken up, the missionaries had no thought 
of yielding the field. In 1860, Rev. A. L. Bond and J. 
L. A. Rohrer, with their wives, — Rohrer designated to 
Japan, Bond to Shanghai, — found their way to heaven 
through a stormy sea. No human souls know when and 
where they met their fate. It was a costly sacrifice ; but 
one doubtless accepted by the God of missions. In 1862, 
cholera raged fiercely. The principal chapel was burned. 
It was a decade of sorrows, that ended with 1865. 

The year 1866 opened upon a demoralized people. 
Shanghai was in a state of financial ruin. In 1867, Mr. 
Yates was alone at Shanghai, his former associates being 
connected with the mission in Shantung Province, where 
the work flourished greatly. 

But the burdens were too heavy for his strength. In 
1869, he lost his voice, just as the joyful harvest tokens 



182 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

were multiplying. The mission was left in charge of 
Mrs. Ya es and Wong, a native preacher who had been 
ordained pastor ot the church in view of Mr. Yates' en- 
forced absence. The missionary, worn and weary, hast- 
ened to America, to seek the restoration of his voice. 
This accomplished, he reached Shanghai on his return in 
February, 1871, most joyfully welcomed. But in the 
autumn, his voice was again reduced to a whisper, mak- 
ing a second absence necessary. Mrs. Yates and Wong 
again assumed charge. 

Although unfitted for public speaking, he returned to 
China after a brief absence. Unable to preach, he ac- 
cepted the position of Vice-Consul and interpreter for 
the United States. He said: "As I need, must have, 
and will have a chapel, I shall proceed to the work at 
my own expense, appropriating all my profits as Vice- 
Consul, until the work is completed." This was accom- 
plished at a cost of three thousand dollars, including a 
parsonage for the native pastor. Eight hundred dollars, 
contributed by Christian Chinese, Dr. Yates asked to 
have appropriated, and represented in the Southern Bap- 
tist Convention of 1884. This was done ; and the first 
Baptist Church of Shanghai was represented, at the next 
meeting of the Convention, convening in Texas, by 
Christian Seminoles from the Indian Territory. 

In December, 1876, Dr. Yates resigned his office as 
Vice-Consul. The Consul General having died, he was 



BAPTrST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 183 

offered the Consulate. But his voice having been re- 
stored, he said : " This I could not do without giving up 
my missionary work — my life work. No office in the 
gift of the Government could induce me to do that while 
I am able to preach and translate. I resign, therefore, 
the honor and the emolument." 

In February, 1876, he gave five hundred dollars as 
a centennial offering. He also endowed a boys' school 
for life. 

The year 1877 was notable for a general conference of 
all the Protestant missionaries in China, held at Shang- 
hai. Many valuable papers were presented, and the 
cause greatly advanced by the discussions and plans for 
systematic effort for the evangelization of China. The 
year witnessed also the thirtieth anniversary of Dr. and 
Mrs. Yates' arrival in Shanghai. For many of these 
years they had been the only Baptist missionaries in the 
city. 

In 1880, Dr. Yates had become a great sufferer, but 
continued earnestly at work. Connected with the mis- 
sion were five outstations, with five native assistants. 
The time had come when this grand old veteran could 
no longer do the work alone. In 1883, Rev. Wm. 
Hunnex joined the Shanghai mission, and was located 
at Chinkiang, one of the five stations. Despite great 
suffering and infirmity, Dr. Yates pushed vigorously the 
colloquial translation of the New Testament. In 1885, 



184 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Rev. D. TV. Herring and wife came to Shanghai, and 
Rev. R. T. Ryan and wife to Chinkiang. Two years 
later, Dr. Yates writes of their progress as phenomenal. 

The year 1888 was a sad one for the Shanghai mission. 
The noble veteran, Dr. Yates, passed to his reward in 
March. A Presbyterian missionary, writing from China, 
said that Dr. Yates was physically, morally, and men- 
tally at the head of the Protestant missionaries of that 
country. Forty-one years of service had been granted 
him, and faithfully had he improved his measure of 
time. 

The next year a Chinese mob destroyed all the mis- 
sionary property in Chinkiang, and the missionaries 
were refugees at Shanghai. Reparation was duly made 
by the Chinese Government. Rev. E. F. Tatum and Miss 
Alice Flagg were sent to Shanghai, and were subse- 
quently married. Rev. T. C. Britton and wife were 
also sent to Suchow, and Rev. L. N. Chappell and 
wife to Chinkiang. 

In May, 1890, there were thirteen American mission- 
aries connected with the Shanghai mission, besides the 
native helpers. Pastor TVong followed soon his beloved 
friend, Dr. Yates, into the realms of the blest. He 
was an able preacher and fine scholar, and was a val- 
uable aid to Dr. Yates in Scripture translation and 
literary work. 

The visit of Dr. Mabie, Secretary of the Missionary 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 185 

Union, was the source of great pleasure, and he was 
made heartily welcome to the homes and hearts of 
the missionaries. The work is full of promise, and 
the grrand harvest time for China seems to be drawing 
near at hand. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. Where is Shanghai ? 

2. When and by whom was the mission established ? 

3. What additions ? 

4. Give account of the founding of the mission. 

5. W T hat is said of Mr. Cabaniss and wife ? 

6. Sketch of Dr. Burton's work. 

7. Report end of first decade. 

8. Describe the years following. 

9. Tell the story of Messrs. Bond and Rohrer. 

10. What further troubles in 1862? 

11. Describe Shanghai in 1866. 

12. Tell the story of Dr. Yates' work and affliction. 

13. What office did he accept ? and what did he do with the 
profits ? 

14. Why did he decline the office of Consul General ? 

15. For what was 1877 notable ? 

16. What is said of Dr. Yates in 1880? 

17. What helper came, when, and where located? 

18. What special work was Dr. Yates doing ? 

19. What later helpers, and what is said of them ? 

20. When did Dr. Yates die, and what testimony regarding 
him? 

21. What outbreak in Chinkiang? 

22. Name additional missionaries. 

23. Give number of missionaries and native helpers in 1890. 

24. What is said of Wong ? 

25. What distinguished visitor is mentioned ? 

SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS. 

China as a Missionary Field, by Knowlton. Our Life in China, 
by Mrs. Nevins. 

LEAFLETS. 

China for Christ. China, the World's Great Mission Field. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

NORTHERN CHINA OR SHANTUNG MISSION. 

npHE province of Shantung lies about five hundred 
-*- miles north of Shanghai. Rev. T. P. Crawford 
and wife joined the Shanghai mission of the Southern 
Board in 1852, and the next year established the first 
station in the Shangtung province at Tung-Chow. 
Messrs. J. L. Holmes and Jesse B. Hartwell, with their 
wives, joined the mission in December, 1860. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hartwell located at Tung-Chow, Mr. and Mrs. 
Holmes at Chefoo, the open port of the province, and a 
place of great trade. It is also the post office of Tung- 
Chow. The climate is as cold as that of Baltimore. 

Mr. Holmes entered ardently into the work, notwith- 
standing the hindrances from war, and the ravages of 
rebel banditti. In October, 1861, he and an Episcopal 
missionary were murdered by the rebels, and their bodies 
discovered eight days later. Mrs. Holmes removed to 
Tung-Chow, and continued in missionary work. 

In 1873, Misses Edmonia and Lottie Moon were added 

to the force at Tung-Chow. Miss Edmonia's health 

compelled her return in 1876. Her sister has proved a 

rarely efficient missionary. In June, 1872, the Hart- 
186 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 187 

wells opened a mission at Chefoo, deeming it an import- 
ant and promising field. But four years later, the severe 
and continued illness of Mrs. Hartwell forced them to 
leave the country. She died a little later. Dr. Hart- 
well has since devoted himself to work among the 
Chinese in California, and the Cheefoo station has been 
abandoned. 

During the civil war in America, the missionaries had 
ample opportunity for sacrifice. Nobly they held on 
their way in spite of scant supplies and poverty of funds. 

Mr. Hartwell and Mr. Crawford labored at independ- 
ent points in Tung-Chow; and from their labors resulted 
the '• North Street Church," Mr. Hartwell, pastor, and 
the " Monument Street Church," under charge of Mr. 
Crawford. 

In 1882, Messrs. Halcomb and Pruitt joined the 
Tung-Chow mission. The next vear thev each married 
lady missionaries, and still later the two families were 
sent to open the new station of Whang-hien. This same 
year Mrs. Halcomb died, and Mr. Halcomb soon after 
resigned his connection with the board. 

Miss Moon labored from village to village in the 
Pingtu region with wonderful success. The whole 
country around seemed calling for the gospel. 

Messrs. Davault and Joiner, with their wives, became 
connected with the Whang-hien station in 1884. Great 
hopes were entertained of their future usefulness, but 



188 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

God called Mr. Davault higher, in 1887. His dying 
breath was an appeal for China. His wife still lives 
and labors in this land to which he sacrificed his life. 
Mr. Joiner stricken with an obstinate disease, sadly- 
turned his face homeward. 

In 1888, Dr. Crawford speaks of having "simply 
sowed seed," while Mrs. Crawford " cultivated her 
patch." 

The latest additions to the Northern China mission, 
as reported in 1890, are as follows: At Tung-Chow, 
Misses Fannie Knight, Laura G. Barton, and M. J. 
Thornton. At Whang-hien, Rev. and Mrs. G. P. Bost- 
wick, Mr. and Mrs. T. J. League. 

Dr. Burrows, in his " Historical Address " on the 
Foreign Work of the Southern Baptist Convention, 
speaks as follows: "The three prominent standard 
bearers of our Chinese missions, to whom God has given 
health, perseverance, faculty, and executive tact, and 
whose names will be associated through all time and 
eternity with their respective mission fields, are Dr. 
Matthew T. .Yates, of Shanghai, Dr. Roswell H. Graves, 
of Canton, and Dr. Thomas P. Crawford, of Tung-Chow. 
Other godly men and women have been associated with 
them in these fields, some for longer or shorter periods ; 
some whose broken health compelled retirement from 
the work; but from the beginning of labors at these 
points, with only occasional seasons for recruiting health 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 189 

and energies, there they have firmly stood, always faith- 
ful and hopeful, prayerful and laborious. They have 
been the generals, associated with brave and able officers, 
American volunteers, and native recruits/' 

What is true of these three men is also true of many 
others in our various missions. All honor to these 
brave and faithful veterans, who have borne the burden 
and heat of the day ! 

QUESTIONS. 

1. Where is Shantung? 

2. Who were the pioneers of the mission? 

3. Who followed, and when? Where did they locate? 

4. What is said of Chefoo ? 

5. Give account of Mr. Holmes' work and fate. 

6. What is said of the Misses Moon ? 

7. What of the Hartwells? 

8. What was the effect of the war in America ? 

9. What two churches in Tung-Chow? and what was their 
origin ? 

10. Give account of the Halcombs and PruittS. 

11. What is said of Miss Moon's country work ? 

12. Kelate facts concerning the Davaults and Joiners. 

13. How did the Crawfords describe their work? 

14. What were the additions in 1890 to Northern China mission. 

15. Give Dr. Burrows' estimate of Drs. Yates, Graves, and 
Crawford. 

SUPPLEMENTAKY HEADINGS. 

The Middle Kingdom, by S. Wells Williams. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

THE WESTERN CHINA MISSION. 

fTIHE year 1889 was one of enlargement. The Mis- 
-*- sionary Union took measures to push forward into 
the interior of China. The first point chosen for occupa- 
tion was Suchow, an important city on the river Yangtze, 
that great thoroughfare to the heart of Asia, sixteen 
hundred miles from the sea. Sz-chuen, the province, 
borders on Tibet. It has probably a population of twenty 
millions, though other estimates have been made, rang- 
ing from that up to seventy-two millions. 

Two young men offered themselves for this work — Rev. 
William Upcraft and Mr. George Warner. Mr. Upcraft 
was sent to this very region some years ago by the British 
Bible Society. While prosecuting his work, he was 
clubbed and stoned and left senseless. His injuries com- 
pelled his return. Later, he became pastor of a church 
in Minnesota, and offered himself anew for work in China, 
in response to the call from the Missionary Union. The 
Baptist young men of Minnesota have undertaken the 
support of these volunteers. 

This mission is established upon a new basis. The 

workers stipulate for no stated salary, but depend upon 
190 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 191 

the Lord and the brethren. They pledged themselves to 
the work of evangelization, not to pastoral labor. This 
they hope to provide from the native converts. 

The two missionaries on arriving at Shanghai assumed 
the native dress prior to attempting the journey into the 
interior. This enabled them to travel for less than half 
the expense, and they also avoided rousing hostility. 

It was a long, adventurous journey from Shanghai up 
the river to their distant destination. All boats ascend- 
ing the current must be pulled by men, and this is 
impossible in the rainy season on account of high water. 
They were detained some time for this reason, but at last 
passed safely through the river gorges, arriving at Suchow 
December 16, 1889. They left Shanghai in August, but 
the unusual length of the rainy season caused delay. 
Mr. Upcraft had some knowledge of medicine, which was 
helpful in winning his way with the people. 

Sz-chuen is a splendid province, with beautiful scenery, 
fertile soil, fine climate, and intelligent, well-to-do inhab- 
itants. But the great curse is opium — opium growing, 
opium smoking, opium eating, and opium dying. Nu- 
merous and costly temples show the hold that Buddhism 
has upon the people. 

The province is a great and open field for missionary 
operations. The China Inland mission has a few work- 
ers, but a real impression for Christ is yet to be made 
Thousands are daily perishing. 



192 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Mr. Upcraft at once began evangelizing tours. Mr. 
Warner's work must be upon the language for the most 
part for a year to come. They report the women as eager 
to know when their teachers were coming. A partial 
answer to this inquiry was given by the marriage of Mr. 
Warner, January 9, 1891, to Miss Mara S. Moorhead, at 
Isingpo. At once the newly-wedded pair started on their 
long, weary journey to the far interior. 

In 1891, there were under appointment to the Western 
China Mission, C. H. Finch, M. D., and wife, Kev. Maurice 
Harrison, Kev. Robert Wellwood and wife. The report 
says : " There have been many encouraging features in 
the work. The field is attractive. The province of 
Sz-chuen is the most fertile and prosperous of the eighteen 
provinces of China proper. The people are intelligent 
and enterprising, and they seem less bigoted and more 
hospitable to the gospel than the Chinese of the coast 
regions. Everything about the opening of this new work 
in the remote region of Western China is encouraging." 

Thus the gospel light is penetrating even the far inte- 
rior of long-closed China. Shall we go up and possess 

the land ? 

QUESTIONS. 

1. Where is the province of Sz-chuen ? 

2. What characterized the year 1889 ? 

3. What point of advance was chosen ? 

4. Who offered themselves for the work ? 

5. What is said of Mr. Upcraft ? 

6. Who have undertaken their support ? 

7. Give the basis of this mission. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 193 

8. Describe the journey of the missionaries. 

9. Describe the province of Sz-chuen. 

10. What es-ent in 1891 added a new worker? 

11. Give names of those under appointment in 1891. 

12. What is said of the work ? 

SUPPLEMENTAKY HEADINGS. 
Missionary Magazines, 1890, 1891. 



N 



CHAPTEK XXIX. 

THE SEED PLANTED. 

rnELUGU land lies in the southeastern part of Hindo- 
-*- stan, extending along the shore of the bay of 
Bengal, from Madras to Chicacole. The Telugus have 
no country of their own, but this territory in which they 
chiefly dwell is partly in the Madras Presidency, and 
partly in the dominions of the Nizam, an independent 
native prince, tributary to England. The Telugus num- 
ber about eighteen millions. They are a fine, stalwart 
race, resembling Europeans in everything except color. 
Their language is sweet and musical, ranking second to 
the Tamil. Their religion is Brahmanism, with its iron 
bars of caste. 

For the real originator of the Telugu mission, we must 
go back to Amos Sutton, for many years a beloved 
English missionary at Orissa, in India. He married the 
widow of the lamented Colman, one of our earliest mis- 
sionaries to Burma. Coming to America in 1835, his 
eloquent appeal for the Telugus led to the appointment 
of Rev. S. S. Day and Rev. E. L. Abbott, with their 
wives, to the new field. In Calcutta it was decided that 

the Abbotts should go to the Karens of Burma, leaving 
194 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 195 

Mr. and Mrs. Dav to found the Telugu mission alone. 
After some experiments, Mr. Day located in Madras. 
Three years' hard work resulted in- the conversion of a 
few souls, none of whom were Telugus. In 1840, he 
removed to Nellore, in the midst of a large Telugu pop- 
ulation. Here the first convert was baptized, September 
27, 1840. A Government grant gave him ground for 
mission premises. In 1841, he welcomed as co-laborers, 
Eev. S. Van Husen and wife. In 1844, the Nellore 
church was organized with eight members — four native 
converts and the missionaries. The next year both 
the Days and Van Husens returned to America with 
broken health. 

Mr. Day found the Board strongly inclined to abandon 
the Telugu field. So earnestly did he plead for this child 
of his labor and prayers, that they sent him back in 
1848, in company with Rev. Lyman Jewett and wife. 
Five apparently fruitless years followed. In 1853, the 
question of abandonment was again discussed, and an- 
other lease of life granted the Telugu mission. In one 
of the addresses, the speaker, pointing to Nellore on the 
map as the only station, called it the " Lone Star." Dr. 
S. F. Smith, our Baptist poet and hymn writer, caught 
the idea, and wrought a glowing bit of prophecy into 
verse before he slept ; a prophecy that has been more 
than fulfilled. 

Late in 1853, occurred the notable prayer meeting 



196 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

which marks the turning point in the history of the 
Telugu mission. Mr. and Mrs. Jewett, with three Telugu 
Christians, made a tour, reaching Ongole in December. 
Their labor in this heathen city seemed utterly void. 
Before sunrise, New Year's Day, 1854, they ascended the 
Ongole hill, overlooking the country. Before them lay 
the city ; beyond were many towns and villages crowned 
with mosques and temples, embracing a dense population, 
ignorant of the true God. With bursting hearts they 
knelt to pray, offering special and individual petitions 
that God would send a missionary to Ongole. A strong 
assurance that the prayer had been heard came upon 
them. The answer was long delayed, but the fullness of 
its blessing came in later vears. 

Early in 1855, Eev. F. A. Douglass and wife joined 
the workers at Nellore. Ten years' unceasing work ex- 
hausted his strength, and he returned home. In 1862, 
Mr. Jewett was also obliged to seek rest. 

On his arrival, he found the old question before the 
Board, who were at the point of speaking the fatal word. 
The Telugu field had seemed barren of results ; but to 
the laborer, whose strength had been spent in sowing 
much precious seed, the thought of abandonment was 
worse than death. He plead as for his own life, saying : 
" You can give up the Telugu mission, but I will never 
abandon the Telugus. I will go back and die in India." 
His faith and zeal turned the scale, and saved to the 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 197 

Baptists the splendid results of these later years. "Well, 
brother," said the secretary, "if you will return, we must 
send somebody with you to bury you." A solitary voice, 
uttering no uncertain sound, had saved the Telugu 
mission. 

Twelve years after that memorable meeting on Prayer 
Meeting Hill, Ongole had a missionary in the person of 
Rev. John E. Clough. After studying the language a 
year in Nellore, the Cloughs came to their own station in 
1866. The harvest began. One by one the sheaves were 
gathered. January 1, 1867, a church was organized 
with eight members. Such was the beginning of what 
has since become the largest Baptist church in the 
world. 

Rainapatam was opened as a station in 1870, by Rev. 
A. V. Timpany and wife. Beautiful and spacious 
grounds were placed at the disposal of the mission, 
which have greatly furthered its success. Soon Rev. 
John McLaurin and wife joined Mr. Timpany, while 
Rev. E. Bullard went to aid the Jewetts at Nellore. 

The harvest had truly begun. Tiie Telugus were 
coming in great numbers. Three hundred and twenty- 
four were baptized in a single month. In the beginning 
of this year the missionaries prayed for five hundred true 
converts. The close of the year records five hundred 
and seventy-three baptisms. 

The sending of men and means was greatly blessed of 



198 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

the Lord. The hands of the missionaries were full to 
overflowing. In 1872, Mr. Clough was obliged to take a 
furlough. He rested while at home by securing four new 
laborers, and an endowment of fifty thousand dollars for 
a theological seminary. In Mr. Clough's two years' 
absence, Mr. McLaurin had chaige of the Ongole field, 
and the pentecostal blessing continued, one thousand and 
eighty being baptized. 

Before this time, in 1867, the caste question had been 
settled. When Mr. Clough went to Ongole, he was wel- 
comed by Brahmins and the higher classes, offering him 
their boys for his school, furnishing him with all needed 
funds. The Lord commenced converting the outcasts, 
from the Madiga and Mala castes. They asked baptism. 
A committee waited on Mr. Clough, notifying him to let 
the Pariahs alone. The Brahmins could not even come 
to his house if these people entered it. But duty was 
plain, and Mr. Clough baptized the converts, bringing on 
himself the rage of the high-caste people. Not only 
were their boys taken from the school, but they threat- 
ened suit for the defilement of their tank by the 
baptism. 

Sick at heart, Mr. Clough sought his study. Taking 
up a Bible, he opened to 1 Cor. 1 : 26-29. Unknown to 
him, Mrs. Clough was praying in another room. Open- 
ing a Testament, her eye fell on this salf-same passage. 
It was a voice from heaven. This double assurance 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 199 

made them content to harvest sheaves among the poor 
and lowly, since they were the called of God. 

After Mr. Clough's return, the McLaurins went to 
Coconada to establish a mission in behalf of Canadian 
Baptists. In 1879, Mr. Timpany left the service of the 
Missionary Union, and joined the mission at Coconada. 
In 1885, he was cut off by cholera, thus ending a 
grandly useful life. The Canadian mission has been 
fruitful and inspiring. 

Rev. D. Downie and wife arrived at Nellore in 1873, 
and assumed Dr. Jewett's work, that he might join the 
Bible Revision Committee at Rajamundy. Early mis- 
sionaries had given some imperfect translations to the 
people, and now representatives of all the denomina- 
tional missions were engaged in preparing as perfect 
a Bible as possible for the Telugus. In 1874, Dr. 
Jewett's overtasked strength compelled him to return 
home. Rev. R. R. Williams took charge of the seminary 
at Ramapatam. It was called Brownson Theological 
Seminary, in honor of the chief donor to its endowment. 
This school was of great importance in training up 
qualified native preachers. The harvest could not be 
reaped by the missionaries alone. An army of native 
helpers could be profitably employed. 

The women's societies sent workers to Telugu land. 
Miss Peabody came, in 1872, to Ramapatam, and Miss 
M. A. Wood, in 1874. Their especial work was teach- 



200 BAPTIST FOKEIGN MISSIONS. 

ing. In July, 1876, Miss Wood married Kev. A. A. 
Newhall. She was a woman of rare consecration and 
noble gifts. She gave her life for the Telugus, dying at 
Eamapatam, October 9, 1877. 

The same year, Miss Peabody married Rev. Mr. 
Pearce, of the English Baptist Mission. 

In 1874, thirty-eight students were in the seminary at 
Eamapatam. A letter from Mr. Timpany about this 
time sounds prophetic : " I hardly dare express what I 
feel sometimes ; and yet, why should we not look for it — 
the time when the Telugus shall move like a flood, 
sweeping all before them ? The time is coming, must 
come, when all will leave their idols." 

He was not alone. The missionaries unitedly pre- 
dicted a glorious success. 



QUESTIONS. 

1. Locate Telugu land. 

2. What is said of the Telugus? 

3. Who was the real originator, and what is the story of his 
influence ? 

4. What was the result of this appeal ? 

5. Who was the founder of the Telugu mission ? 

6. Tell of his earliest efforts. 

7. When and why did he remove to Nellore ? 

8. When was the first baptism ? 

9. Who were the first co-laborers ? 

10. When was the Nellore church organized? 

11. What was the feeling of the Board ? 

12. Who re-opened the work in 1848? 

13. How did the mission obtain the name "The Lone Star"? 

14. Give the poem. (Missionary Sketches, page 198.) 

15. Tell the story of the notable prayer meeting in 1853. 

16. Who were the next workers ? 






BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 201 

17. Tell of Dr. Jewett's noble appeal in 1862. 

18. "What was its grand result? 

19. Who was Ongole's first missionary ? When did he begin 
his work ? 

20. When was the Ongole church organized, and what has it 
since become ? 

21. What is the early history of Kamapatam ? 

22. What signal answer to prayer in 1870? 

23. What did Mr. Clough accomplish during his vacation ? 

24. Kelate the settlement of the caste question ? 

25. What was done at Coconada? 

26. What is said of Dr. Jewett and Bible Bevision ? 

27. What of Brownson Theological Seminary? 

28. What record of Misses Wood and Peabody? 

29. Give Mr. Timpany's prophecy. 

SUPPLEMENTAEY HEADINGS. 

Telugu Jubilee Volume. Missionary Sketches, Our Gold Mine, 
pages 340-368. 

LEAFLETS. 

The Lone Star. Lydia of Nellore. 



CHAPTER XXX. 



EARLY SHEAVES. 



IN 1877 and '78 came the terrible famine, such as the 
present generation of Telugus had never known. 
The missionaries suspended their usual work, and bent 
every energy to the saving of life. Mr. Clough organized 
and superintended the people in digging a portion of the 
Buckingham Canal, thus keeping many alive. But not- 
withstanding all, and the relief that poured in from other 
countries and from Government, thousands perished. It 
was a pitiful time. 

When the worst was over, multitudes came for bap- 
tism. The missionaries sifted carefully to make sure that 
gratitude or lower considerations were not the motive. 
From June to December, 1878, Mr. Clough and his as- 
sistants baptized nine thousand six hundred and six, 
bringing the native membership up to twelve thousand 
eight hundred and four. At one time, over a thousand 
people from Ongole came to the mission compound, and 
gave up their idols. 

In 1876, Miss Mary Day, daughter of the founder of 

the Telugu mission, came to Ongole to the work her 

father began. A new station was opened at Secun- 
202 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 203 

derabad, by Rev. W. W. Campbell, the first in the 
Nizam's dominion; and in January, 1879, a second at 
Secunderabad, by Rev. A. Loughridge. As the Nizam 
is. a Mohammedan prince, the missionaries had in oppo- 
sition the forces of Islam, as well as Brahmanism. 

In 1880, the Ongole High School was organized. 
Rev. W. R. Manley, who had been laboring among the 
Telugus in Bnrma, was appointed principal. This school 
was early aided by Government, and has had a career 
of great usefulness. The Bible is taught, and no caste 
distinctions allowed. Two hundred and seventy-four 
names were on the rolls in 1884. 

In 1882, the membership on the Ongole field was over 
twenty thousand. In 1881, twenty-six churches were 
formed from the parent church. The next year, the 
large parish of ten thousand square miles was divided 
into five, making four new stations. Mr. Clough re- 
turned to America this same year, leaving the Ongole 
station in charge of Rev. D. K. Rayl, who left in 1884, 
on account of illness. He and his wife died soon after 
reaching home. Mr. Clough hastened back to the de- 
serted field, absent only eleven months. Miss Rauschen- 
busch came to Ongole in 1883. Her special charge was 
the boys' school. 

Death and broken health continually weakened the 
force of missionary laborers, but the work went on. 
The high-caste people were still comparatively untouched, 



204 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

but the poor and lowly accepted the gospel preached to 
them. 

After six years of incessant labor at Secunderabad, Mrs. 
Campbell was brought to the gates of death. The home- 
ward voyage was beneficial, but she was never able to 
return to India. Mr. Campbell came home in 1882. 

Kurnool was opened in 1876, by Rev. D. H. Drake. 
The harvest was white in this field also, but the famine 
interfered with missionary work. In 1879, Mr. Drake, 
broken in health, sailed for America. 

The next year, Kev. F. E. Morgan and wife came to 
the vacant place, and labored until 1887, when he also 
was compelled to return. He died in 1891. 

Dr. and Mrs. Jewett rallied sufficiently to return to 
Madras in 1878, locating in the suburb of Royapurum, 
where he began work in India, and where he finished it 
in 1886. Dr. Jewett's daughter, with her husband, Eev. 
S. W. Nichols, was associated with her parents. Her 
early knowledge of Telugu quickly returning, made her 
at once a valuable helper. The work in Madras did not 
show results as in the interior, but it was nevertheless 
an important work. Miss Marie Menke came in 1880 
to Madras, devoting herself to school work until her 
marriage in 1884 to Mr. Newhall, and her removal with 
him and with her sister, Miss Bertha Menke, to Hana- 
maconda. In 1881, Rev. Norman Waterbury and wife 
were designated to Madras. The next year, two houses 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 205 

were bought in different suburbs, locating the work at 
Vepery and Royapurani. Miss Day removed to Madras 
in 1884, devoting herself to the caste-girls school, and 
to zenana work. 

The four new stations on the old Ongole field were 
soon manned. Cumbum was opened in 1882, by Mr. 
Boggs. This remote part of the district had not hitherto 
received needed attention. The first year, seven hundred 
and thirty-one were baptized. Mr. Boggs gave several 
years faithful work, before ill health forced his return to 
America. 

Vinukonda was opened the same year, by Rev. G. N. 
Thomssen. The converts, as elsewhere, came by hun- 
dreds; and the training of these multitudes was the 
pressing work. Two thousand six hundred and fifty- 
three members were reported in 1884. Rev. J. Hein- 
richs assumed charge in 1890. 

Nursaravapetta was another of the new stations. Rev. 
R. Maplesden was its pioneer missionary, locating there 
in 1884 ; but in a year he was compelled to leave the 
field. In 1886, Rev. Wm. Powell and wife were ap- 
pointed to the vacancy. 

The fourth of the new stations on the old Ongole field 
was Bapatla. Rev. E. Bui lard has labored here since 
1883. 

Udayagiri is a most important interior station, com- 
manding much territory. Rev. J. F. Burditt undertook 



206 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

the charge in 1884. The next year he speaks of it as 
hard and stony ground, with scarcely a Christian, save 
on the confines of the old Ongole district. It recalls the 
former barren years in Telugu land. 

Palmur is one of the youngest stations. It was opened 
by Rev. Elbert Chute, in June, 1885. Later, he was 
joined by his sister, Miss Leoni Chute. This station is 
in the Deccan, between Secunderabad and Kurnool. 

Enough has been said to indicate that the Telugu mis- 
sions really comprised two divisions, differing greatly in 
the state of the people, and the conditions of missionary 
labor. The eastern Ghauts are the dividing line between 
the older missions on the coast and those in the Nizam's 
dominions on the interior plateau. Brahmanism is 
ascendant on the coast plains, and this is where the great 
Christian harvests have been reaped. In the interior, 
Mohammedanism is the religion of the rulers, and mis- 
sionarv work is hindered according v. These missions 
are also more of a pioneer character. These are the 
years of seed sowing, and equal harvests may be expected 
in the time to come. 

In 1884, the new building for the theological seminary 
at Ramapatam was finished. It was a grand monument 
to the liberality of the Baptists of America. Dr. Wil- 
liams thus describes it : " The foundations are laid very 
deep, the walls are massive, the wood work is of first-class 
Burman teak. It is almost fireproof. It is built from 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 207 

the finest quality of brown-stone, cut from the quarry, 
and neatly dressed. The lower story is used for class 
rooms, library, etc. The whole of the upper story is a 
beautiful audience room. There is a fine tower, from 
which will sound a bell calling the people for miles 
around. It will sound the more sweetly to the Telugus 
because it is their gift." 

The Bucknell Memorial at Nellore, completed in 1886, 
is a fine building for a seminary of threefold character : 
a Bible school for the education of Bible women, a 
normal school for training teachers, an industrial girls' 
school. This last department has become nearly or 
quite self-supporting. 

The high school in Ongole also received a commodious 
building through the generosity of Mr. Rockafeller, 
and others. It accommodates more than three hundred 
pupils. Thus have scoools been established in Telugu 
land on deep and broad foundations. 
QUESTIONS. 

1. Give the date of the terrible famine and its results. 

2. Describe the wonderful ingathering after the famine. 

3. What is said of Miss Mary Day ? 

4. Names and dates of two stations opened in the Nizam's 
dominions. 

5. Who was the Nizam? 

6. Give facts regarding Ongole high school. 

7. Give membership on Ongole field in 1882. 

8. Subsequent events at Ongole. 

9. What was the result of caste ? 

10. Work and workers at Secunderabad. 

11. W T here is Kurnool ? When and by whom opened? 

12. Sketch matters in Madras from 1878-84. 



208 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

13. Give facts concerning four new stations on the old Ongole 
field. 

14. What is said of Undayagiri ? 

15. Where is Palmur and what is its history? 

16. Describe the two divisions of the Telegu missions. 

17. Describe the new building for the Brownson Theological 
Seminary. 

18. W r hat is the Bucknell Memorial? 

19. What of the High School building in Ongole? 

SUPPLEMENTAKY EEADINGS. 
Missionary Sketches. Telugu Jubilee Volume. 

LEAFLETS. 

Ongole Girls' School. Nellore Girls' School. Woman's Work 
in the Zenanas. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

LATER HARVESTS. 

IN February, 1886, occurred the Jubilee Conference 
of the Telugu mission, in which the missionaries of 
both the American and Canadian societies participated. 
The review of the fifty years was full of interest and 
inspiration. 

Late in 1885, Dr. Jewett completed the revision of the 
New Testament. The last chapters were just completed, 
when Mrs. Jewett's dangerous illness hastened their 
departure, depriving the Jubilee Conference of his pres- 
ence. The Jewetts had been sorely bereaved in the 
death of Mr. Nichols, in 1880, and a year later by that 
of their daughter, Hattie Jewett Nichols. Although 
lonely and desolate, they remained until the great work 
of Dr. Jewett's life was finished. Nearly forty years 
had been given to the Telugus, and his name is im- 
mortal as that of the man who saved the Telugu 
mission. 

This same year, a printing press was placed at Eama- 
patam, which served the double purpose of printing for 
the mission, and giving employment to the students in 
schools. Mr. Burditt was rejoiced by the organization 

O 209 



210 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

of a church at Udayagiri of thirty-five members, a prom- 
ising beginning in a hard, pioneer field. 

In November, 1886, the Madras mission mourned the 
death of Mr. Waterbury. His life was really a sacri- 
fice, consumed on the -altar of missions. Dr. Williams, 
for many years the successful president of Ramapatam 
Theological Seminary, was compelled to lay down the 
work. Mr. Bogg3 was appointed to fill the vacancy, and 
assumed charge in March, 1888. 

Self-support among the Telugu churches was of slow 
growth, on account of the extreme poverty of the con- 
verts. The missionaries early began to preach the doc- 
trine of the consecration of the tenth to God's service. 
Growth in this direction has been apparent from year to 
year, and the fact that the converts give more to Christ's 
work than they formerly gave to their idol worship 
attests their willingness. Since God called the very poor 
among the people, he has also called American Christians 
as helpers to sustain his cause, until the time when the 
Telugus can do it alone. 

In 1887, Mr. Drake returned, taking up Mr. Water- 
bury's work at Madras, and Miss Johanna Schuff also 
joined the teaching force the same year. The next year, 
the Manleys were obliged to take a vacation, leaving the 
Ongole High School without an American principal. In 
1888, Mr. Maplesden, of Secunderabad, records encourag- 
ing progress in the Deccan. Thirteen years had passed 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 211 

since this first station was planted in the Nizam's domin- 
ions ; and now the greatest toleration was shown toward 
Christianity by his highness, the Nizam, and the leading 
nobility of Hyderabad. Large grants in aid were given 
to the educational work of the various missionary 
societies. 

Mrs. Pearce, formerly Miss Peabody, widowed, re- 
turned to India in 1889, to teach in Madras, under the 
auspices of the woman's society which first sent her out. 
About this time, we read of the Hindu Tract Society 
scattering tracts to offset Christian literature. This 
device aids our cause by exciting inquiry. 

The missionaries, crushed by the magnitude of the 
work, sent an appeal in December, 1888. It begins as 
follows : " The work of the Telugu mission, instead of 
being almost completed, is scarcely more than begun. 
The great body of the Telugu-speaking Hindus may 
almost be said to be untouched by the gospel, and even 
of the poor, ignorant outcasts, only a portion have been 
gathered in." 

One plea advanced for more laborers was the twenty- 
seven hundred converts baptized in 1888. This meant 
" increased work, multiplied burdens, and widening 
reponsibilities." 

It must be remembered that these Telugu converts 
were weak and ignorant ; literally infants in knowledge ; 
and need patient, long-continued training to make them 



212 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

strong Christians. Men must be sent, or even the 
gathered harvest will be largely lost. 

The next year Dr. Jewett's revision of the New Testa- 
ment was published. A reference edition was prepared. 
Although farther revision was contemplated, yet the text 
as Dr. Jewett left it was literal and idiomatic. 

In 1887, the Telugu mission secured a sanitarium at 
Coonoor, on the Nilgiri hills, a delightful retreat from the 
fierce heat of the plains during the hot months. This 
will prolong valuable lives, and save many furloughs to 
America. Coonoor is six thousand feet above the sea, 
with a refreshing temperature. 

Miss E. J. Cummings, M. D., at Ramapatam, rejoiced 
in a new dispensary, where she could win souls by min- 
istering to diseased bodies. She is reported as hard at 
work in many directions, and especially desirous to teach 
the women and girls lessons on the care of health. 

It seemed as if disabled workers were leaving faster 
than new ones could be secured to take their places. 
Miss Day, Miss Menke, the Newhalls, laid down their 
w r ork about this time. Late in 1889, Jacob Heinrichs 
and wife were sent to Vinukonda, and Rev. A. Friesen 
and wife to Secunderabad. We read of a Christian 
Endeavor Society in Nellore. 

Another appeal, more urgent still, came in December, 
1890, addressed to the constituency of the Missionary 
Union, the purseholders. The missionaries asked for 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 213 

twenty-five men to strengthen and enlarge the Telugu 
work. Quoting from their appeal: "'This mission has 
been, and now is, to you a crown of glory in the eyes of 
all Christendom. From the hilltop near where we are 
now, the prayer of faith has been answered in a mighty 
downpour of blessing. Since the dawn of modern mis- 
sions no such Pentecostal ingathering has been seen. 
You have thirty thousand converts in this field. These 
converts are your spiritual children. They are still 
coming by hundreds and thousands. To you must they 
look for care and nurture during the infancy of their 
spiritual life. 

"These spiritual children have cast away the polluted 
food of idolatry, but are now receiving the bread of life 
in its place, as they ought. Have mercy on them in 
their piteous condition ! As far as we can, we are teach- 
ing them to help themselves. In time we hope they will 
be less of a care to you, but do have compassion upon 
them now. They need more missionaries ; they need 
guidance; they need leadership; they need to see a mis- 
sionary's face more frequently in their villages; they 
need missionary stimulus and encouragement. If they 
fail to get this, at this most needy hour of their history, 
what can you expect but declension of faith, stunted 
growth, unhealthy development, and spiritual disaster. 
And if that should come, your Telugu mission, which is to- 
day a glory, may become a humiliation and a reproach." 



214 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

These burning words present vividly the needs in 
Telugu land. The number baptized in 1889 was thirteen 
hundred and ten. The year 1890 opened with a sound 
of "going in the trees," but the overburdened mission- 
aries could not be gladdened by the prospect of additional 
responsibilities. The letters from the field breathe sighs 
rather than songs. The Baptist hearts at home were 
stirred. As a result, October 9, 1890, is memorable as 
the day when a large reinforcement sailed for the Telugu 
field. Kev. C. Hadley and wife were sent to Madras; 
Rev. P. M. Johnson and wife to Ongole; Prof. W. E. 
Boggs and wife for educational work; Rev. G. M. Thorns- 
sen and wife were also of the number, returning to Kur- 
nool. A little later the Mauleys sailed, designated to 
Udayagiri. 

The beginning of 1891 brought tidings of another 
Pentecostal revival on the Telugu field. In the last 
three months of the preceding year, two thousand and 
twenty-three were baptized, sixteen hundred and seventy- 
one in a single day. Other parts of the field shared in 
the blessing. 

At Cumbum, eleven hundred and ninety-five were 
baptized during 1890, the result of Mr. Newcomb's labors. 
In the Nizam's dominions seed was springing. Mr. 
Friesen removed from Secunderabad to locate at the 
promising point Nalgonda. Again, Mr. Clough reports 
in the Ongole district seventeen hundred and fortv-two 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 215 

baptized from January 1 to February 24, 1891 ; and 
Mr. Newcomb from Cumbum, fourteen hundred and 
sixty-six baptized from January 1 to February 22. This 
made the baptisms on the Telugu field in five months 
more than five thousand. 

One important event was the visit of Dr. H. C. Mabie, 
Home Secretary of the Missionary Union, to our missions 
in Asia. He had the privilege of witnessing some of the 
marvelous exhibitions of divine power in Telugu land, 
personally baptizing many converts. 

At the national anniversaries in 1891, Dr. Clough's 
presence aroused great enthusiasm. In view of the un- 
exampled victories on the Telugu field, it was resolved 
to send twenty-five men and to raise fifty thousand dol- 
lars to meet the present emergency. Quoting from the 
Annual Report for 1891 : " We find that the complete 
statistics for the past year give the number of baptisms 
in the mission at more than six thousand, and the total 
number of church members at more than forty thousand. 

" In the presence of such displays of grace, we can 
only stand with bowed heads and humble hearts before 
the Lord and give him all the praise and glory of the 
great ingathering. The progress of the Telugu mission 
in twenty-five years, from thirty-eight to forty thousand 
converts, has not been due to the extraordinary amount 
of labor and money expended on the work, for they have 
not been greater than on other fields. God in his great 



216 BAPTIST FOEEIGN MISSIONS. 

mercy has chosen to favor the Telugu people with a 
special and amazing outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and 
he has brought this great result." 

QUESTIONS. 

1. Give date of the Telugu Jubilee. 

2. What was Dr. Jewett's closing work? 

3. What is said of the death of Mr. and Mrs. Nichols? 

4. For what will Dr. Jewett be especially remembered? 

5. State double purpose of the printing press at Eamapatam. 

6. What encouragement at Udayagiri? 

7. What is said of Mr. Waterbury ? 

8. Who was Dr. Williams' successor in the charge of Brownson 
Theological Seminary? 

9. What are the facts regarding self-support among the Telu- 
gus? 

10. Sketch events in 1887 and 1888. 

11. What appeal was sent by the missionaries ? 

12. Why are Telugu converts in special need of nurture ? 

13. What was the event of 1889 ? 

14. W T hat and where is Coonoor ? 

15. What is said of medical work in Eamapatam ? 

16. Give list of workers compelled to leave at this time. 

17. Name reinforcements. 

18. Give substance of second appeal. 

19. What new blessings in 1890? 

20. What result did this bring about in the way of reinforce- 
ments ? 

21. Describe the Pentecostal ingatherings in 1890 and 1891. 

22. What is said of Dr. Mabie ? 

23. What resolution was taken at the national anniversaries in 
1891? 

24. Give latest statistics. 

25. What is the increase in twenty-five years, and to what is it 
due? 






CHAPTER XXXII. 

OPEN DOORS IN JAPAN. 

rflHE Japan mission is one of the later enterprises of 
J- American Baptists. Like China, the land was for 
centuries closely barred against foreign influences. It is 
an empire of islands, with a population of thirty-three mil- 
lions. The national religion is Buddhism, modified by the 
ancient Shintooism. Centuries ago, the Roman Catholic 
religion was introduced, and flourished greatly. The Gov- 
ernment suppressed it by force, and such was the hatred 
aroused, that for many years the figure of a cross was 
laid down upon the shore, and a foreigner could only 
enter the country by trampling this sacred symbol under 
foot. 

The American nation was the first to compel Japan to 
make a treaty, and open certain of her ports for commerce 
and supplies. Other nations followed the advantage 
gained, so that it was said, " When the Susquehanna sailed 
up the Bay of Yeddo, she led the squadrons of seventeen 
nations." This was in 1856, and under the touch of 
Western influences, Japan awoke, slowly at first, and 
then with a rapidity that has astonished the world. 

The American Baptist Free Mission Society was the 

217 



218 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

first Baptist organization to enter Japan. Rev. J. Goble 
was the earliest Baptist missionary. He confined his 
labors to translating the Scriptures, as the time was not 
ripe for public work. 

The close of the war, and the abolition of slavery, 
having removed all excuse for a separate Baptist Society, 
the Japan mission was in 1872 offered to the Missionary 
Union, and accepted. Dr. Nathan Brown, for so many 
years an efficient missionary in Assam, was under 
appointment, at the time of the transfer. Dr. Brown 
and wife, with Mr. Goble and wife, arrived in Yoko- 
hama, February, 1873. As there were no disciples, no 
mission buildings, it was really the beginning of a new 
enterprise. 

Just after the arrival of our missionaries, the ancient 
edict against Christianity was annulled by the Mikado. 
This opened an effectual door. 

In 1873, Rev. J. H. Arthur and wife were sent to 
Japan, and later, James T. Doyen, a teacher in the 
country, was baptized at Yokohama and employed by 
the Missionary Union. He was ordained, and soon after 
went to Tokio, the capital, at the invitation of several 
Buddhist priests, who offered him quarters in one of their 
temples that they might learn about the new religion. 

In June, 1874, the Arthurs also removed to Tokio, 
which brought them in more direct contact with the 
people. Dr. Brown, whose linguistic talent found full 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 219 

employment, remained at Yokohama. Portions of 
Scripture, tracts, hymns, etc., were rapidly prepared and 
scattered broadcast. The Japanese were eager for new 
things, and Christianity was one of them. The first 
Gospel in the language was printed by the Baptist mis- 
sion. Dr. Brown's missionary work was also very suc- 
cessful. Large congregations crowded the mission chapel, 
and the little church gave signs of steady and healthful 
growth. 

In 1875, Miss Clara A. Sands was sent to Tokio, and 
Miss A. H. Kidder to Yokohama. The two cities are 
eighteen miles apart and connected by rail, so the work- 
ers did not suffer from isolation as in other countries. 
This same year occurred the first baptism in Tokio. 

Kev. Frank Dobbins and wife came to Yokohama in 
1875. Severe illness soon prostrated Mrs. Dobbins, and 
sorrowfully they turned their faces homeward. 

The records of these years are marvelous. A Govern- 
ment decree provided that all Government offices should 
be closed from Saturday noon until Monday morning. 
Thus was the Lord's Day recognized. Hitherto, every 
fifth day had been a holiday. Probably the controlling 
idea was not respect to Christ, but the belief that this 
step would contribute to national progress. Neverthe- 
less, it wonderfully smoothed the way for evangelizing 
work. 

A dark shadow fell. Mr. Arthur, loved, successful, 



220 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

and earnest, was stricken at his post, and died late in 
1877 at Oakland, California. The vacancy in Tokio 
caused by his death was filled, in 1878, by Rev. H. H. 
Rhees and wife. There was already the nucleus of a 
native ministry. 

Our missionaries have one great advantage in Japan. 
Its thirty-three millions have the same religion, speak the 
same language, and use the same written character. There 
is not a multiplicity of dialects and religions. Another 
peculiar phase of these early years of mission work is 
that the converts to Christianity in Japan are mostly 
from the higher and educated classes. This fact, so 
encouraging at first, may account for some of the per- 
plexing problems in the crisis of later years. 

In July, 1879, the Lord sent the Baptists a trained, fully- 
equipped missionary, already on the field. Mr. Thomas 
P. Poate had been employed by Government as a teacher. 
He understood the language well, and was familiar with 
Japanese customs and modes of thought. His wife was 
also an efficient helper. Mr. Poate proved indefatigable. 
Preaching stations were first established in the vicinity 
of Yokohama, and soon he had a promising church at 
Morioka, three hundred and seventy miles north of Yo- 
kohama. A little seed had taken root in the wilderness, 
and its results promised to be glorious. 

A notable event was the completion of the New Testa- 
ment in Japanese by Dr. Brown, August 1, 1879. Six 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 221 

years and a half had passed since his arrival in Japan. 
The acquisition of the language and direct missionary- 
work had allowed brief margin of time for translation. 
Yet, so faithful and idiomatic is its rendering that it will 
doubtless remain the standard Bible. 

In December, 1879, Rev. A. A. Bennett and wife 
arrived at Yokohama, and Miss E. J. Munson at Tokio. 

Mr. Poate's letters from North Japan read like the 
story of the Apostle Paul: "In journeyings often, in 
perils of water, in perils of robbers, in perils by the 
heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, 
in perils among false brethren. In weariness and pain- 
fulnesss, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in 
fastings often. Besides that which cometh upon me 
daily, the care of all the churches." 

This work in North Japan early bore precious fruit. 
In 1880, a church was formed at Sendai, with eight 
members. Christianity seemed in danger from its very 
popularity. The missionaries were obliged to exercise 
the greatest care to prevent the admission of unconverted 
members. 

There was great need of a native ministry to enter the 
vast fields. Mr. Bennett organized a theological class at 
Yokohama, which proved the nucleus of a future semi- 
nary. In Mr. Poate's northern tour in the summer of 
1880, he was accompanied by his wife and Miss Sands. 
The latter thus describes a communion service at Mori- 



222 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

oka: "A few natives sitting in a circle upon the floor, a 
small piece of brown bread made by Mrs. Poate (bread 
cannot be bought in the country), a little yellow plate ? 
a small glass with a stem, a black bottle containing the 
wine, and with us the presence of the Lord." 

The needs of the vast multitudes in Tokio, the most 
densely populated city in Japan, tasked the missionaries 
to the utmost. Hindrances were more perplexing than 
in the country work. Yet wonders were accomplished. 
The hand of the Lord was stretched out in blessing. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. Describe Japan and its religion. 

2. What nation first compelled a treaty with Japan and opened 
her gates ? 

3. What of other nations ? 

4. What Baptist society first entered Japan? 

5. Who was its first missionary, and what was his work? 

6. In what year was the Japan mission transferred to the 
Missionary Union? 

7. Who were the first missionaries, and where located? 

8. What bar was early removed? 

9. Sketch the work of Messrs. Arthur and Doyen. 

10. W T hat and where is Tokio? 

11. What is said of Dr. Brown's work? 

12. What new workers in 1875 ? 

13. Name some of the concessions to Christianity. 

14. When and where did Mr. Arthur die? 

15. Who filled the vacancy? 

16. What great advantage has mission work in Japan? 

17. W T hat peculiar phase ? 

18. What valuable workers in 1879? 

19. What other notable events this same year ? 

20. Of what are Mr. Poate's letters from North Japan a re- 
minder? 

21. What are the results of this work ? 

22. State the beginnings of theological instruction. 

23. Give Miss Sand's description of a communion at Morioka. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 223 

SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS. 

Life of Nathan Brown. The Land of the Rising Sun. Mis- 
sionary Sketches. 

LEAFLETS. 

A Trip to Morioka. Some Curious Things about Japan. The 
Women of Japan. 



CHAPTER XXXIIL 

PROMISE AND PERPLEXITY. 

TN 1880, we find Dr. Brown in Yokohama, printing 
■*- the revised New Testament in the pure Kana or 
Japanese character for the common people, also a mixed 
edition in Chinese and Japanese characters for the edu- 
cated classes. The native preachers were growing into 
efficient helpers, vigorous thinkers, and some of them 
pulpit orators. Evangelists were needed to send into the 
interior. Mr. Poate gives this incident in one of his 
tours in 1881: "A few days ago I climbed a hill crowned 
with an old Shintoo temple. Noting the fallen pillars, I 
rejoiced; but going down, I met a party of pilgrims. 
Their guide was an old woman. She knew nothing of 
the way of salvation. As I told it, she said, 'What a 
blessed thing ! ' When I spoke of the death and resur- 
rection of Jesus, her excitement reached a climax. 
'What/ asked she, 'is the name of him who rose from 
the dead ? ' ' The Lord Jesus.' She began to beckon 
with her hand to the rest of the party, and cry out, 
'Quick, quick, blessed news! — news that we never heard 
before!' Then they gathered around me, and under the 

eaves of the old temple I preached Jesus." 
224 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 225 

Rev. F. Dobbins and wife returned late in 1881, 
locating at Tokio. A year later, disease compelled them 
to take a final leave of Japan. 

The demand for Scripture was unprecedented, and the 
presses were taxed to their utmost to supply the call. 
The Bible Society and other agencies furnished generous 
aid to this department. 

The success of Christianity roused Buddhism to active 
opposition. Public meetings were held by the priests in 
all parts of the land. But the ancient religion cannot 
long exist in the light of modern science. The conflict 
of the future will not be between Christianity and Budd- 
hism, but between Christianity and atheism. 

In 1881, Mr. and Mrs. Rhees removed to Kobe, where 
a church had been formed. The city lies in the midst 
of a dense population. Dr. Brown writes: "We have 
now a nucleus for each of the four departments of the 
Japan mission — Yokohama, Tokio, Sendai and the North, 
Kobe and the South." 

After Mr. Dobbins' enforced retirement from Tokio, 
Miss Kidder was again left alone with the entire work — 
a crushing burden. April 1, 1885, Rev. C. H. D. Fisher 
and wife were transferred from Ongole, India, to Tokio. 
In consequence of overwork, Miss Kidder was prostrated 
by severe illness, but a kind Providence restored her. 
Indications for good multiplied. Much of the harvest 
was the result of seed sowing by native colporteurs. 



226 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

The year 1883 was a year of revival. About two 
thousand were added to the different evangelical churches, 
of which the Baptists had their share. Candidates for 
the Buddhist priesthood were required to pass examina- 
tions in the Old and New Testaments, to be able to 
answer the missionaries. Doubtless this often proved a 
weapon turned against themselves. 

In the same year, Miss Kidder gladly welcomed Miss 
H. A. Whitman to share her labors. In 1884, Kev. E. 
H. Jones and wife were sent to Japan, locating at Sendai. 
In addition to his other work, Mr. Poate prepared two 
courses of lectures on church history for the students in 
the seminary. Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Appleton, formerly 
of China, were received as missionaries, and stationed at 
Kobe. In 1885, Dr. Brown writes: "When I think of 
our small beginning twelve years ago, now swelled in 
numbers to upward of four hundred members, I can only 
exclaim, ' What hath God wrought ! ' " 

This year Miss E. L. Rohlman came to Yokohama, to 
take Miss Sands' work, and give her an opportunity for 
rest in America. 

The death of Dr. Brown, January 1, 1886 ; was a sad 
loss to the Japan mission. For nearly thirteen years his 
fine linguistic talent, his ripe experience, his earnest con- 
secration, had been a tower of strength. With his aid 
the mission foundations had been laid deep and strong. 
His labors had been varied. Burman, Assamese, and 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 227 

Japanese Christians sang hymns of his translating. As- 
sam, as well as Japan, received the New Testament from 
his hand, in their own languages. Death found him with 
work begun and planned, enough to fill the span of an 
ordinary lifetime. More than a half century had passed 
since, in the strength of young manhood, he sailed for a 
foreign field. In the ripeness of age he went to rest in 
Japan. He was buried in Yokohama. He left behind 
an inscription for his simple monument, with only these 
words, besides name and date of birth and death: 

"God Bless the Japanese." 

This same year of bereavement, Mr. Poate, prostrated 
by his untiring labors, left for a season of rest. Later, 
Miss H. M. Brown was sent to Sendai, and Rev. C. K. 
Harrington and wife to Yokohama. 

In 1887, the Appletons removed to Shimonoseki, noto- 
riously the worst city in the empire. At first, Mrs. 
Appleton could not go on the street for fear of insult. 
The people could not be induced to come to the services. 
But in less than a year the officials became friendly, the 
people well disposed, and the meetings were largely 
attended. A church of twenty-three members had been 
formed, having the true spirit of self-sacrifice. In the 
same year Rev. F. G. Harrington and wife came to 
Tokio, and Miss Nellie Fife to Sendai. The Poates 
returned, making Morioka their headquarters. Mrs. 



228 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Brown had remained at Yokohama after her husband's 
death, having charge of a successful boarding school for 
girls. The work was pressing hard upon the workers. 
Mr. Bennett writes early in 1888 : * Were there twice or 
thrice the number of laborers here now, all would have 
their hands full. Within less than thirty-six hours I 
have had three earnest requests to go in as many differ- 
ent directions, and not one of them can I attend to. This 
is not uncommon. Its commonness makes it significant." 

In 1888, the Japanese Government took a backward 
step, inclining toward its old policy of repression. A 
reaction was unavoidable. No opposition was shown 
officially to mission work, but grave fears were aroused. 

Shimonoseki was soon deprived of its missionary by 
failure of health. Miss L. A. Eaton was appointed to 
the school work in Yokohama. Miss Clagett joined the 
force in Tokio a little earlier. Mr. Rhees being in need 
of a helper in Kobe, Rev. and Mrs. R. A. Thomson came 
to share his burdens this same year. Rev. R. L. Halsey 
and wife sailed for Sendai in June, and Miss Sands 
returned to labor in Morioka. But while these helpers 
with eager hearts hastened westward to the work, Mr. 
and Mrs. Fisher, Mrs. Brown, and Miss Kidder, turned 
their weary faces eastward in search of rest in the home 
land. 

The year 1888 was the one in which the new constitu- 
tion of Japan was promulgated. It established religious 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 229 

liberty, providing for a Parliament to aid in the govern- 
ment of the empire. On the parade given in honor of 
the new constitution, the empress rode in the Staie car- 
riage with the emperor for the first time in the history 
of Japan. Still, in some ways, the missionaries were 
more restricted. Passports for the interior were not 
so readily granted. There was dissatisfaction with the 
terms of the treaties, and until these could be revised, 
the Government was rather chary of its favors to for- 
eigners. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. What different characters are used in printing Scripture for 
the common people and educated classes? 

2. What is said of the native preachers? 

3. What incident is given by Mr. Poate? 

4. What is said of Buddhist opposition? What is the real 
conflict of the future? 

5. How was the Japanese mission divided in 1881 ? 

6. Give subsequent events in Tokio. 

7. What is said of 1883? 

8. What examination were the candidates for the Buddhist 
priesthood required to pass? 

9. What new workers are recorded ? 

10. Give progress in ten years, as stated by Dr. Brown. 

11. Give a sketch of Dr. Brown's mission work and date of 
death. What inscription on his tomb ? 

12. What is the early missionary history of Shimonoseki? 

13. Subsequent changes? 

14. Give Mr. Bennett's description of the work in 1888. 

15. What backward step was taken by the Japanese Govern- 
ment? 

16. Tell of the incoming and outgoing laborers. 

17. What is said of the new constitution of Japan? 

18. What hindrance remained in mission work ? 

SUPPLEMENTAEY HEADINGS. 

LEAFLET. 

Women of Japan. Life of Dr. Brown. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

THE CRISIS IN JAPAN. 

A LL Oriental travelers speak of the Japanese method 
-*-■*- of traveling by jinrikisha. This is a small two- 
wheeled carriage propelled by man power, universally used 
in Japan and the coast cities of China, its use rapidly ex- 
tending in all Asiatic countries. For the invention of 
this useful little vehicle, now indispensable, Japan is 
indebted to the first Baptist missionary, Rev. J. Goble. 
Entering the country soon after its opening to foreigners, 
his knowledge of Western ideas and inventions was in- 
valuable to the Government. In 1869, by request, he 
drew the plan for a vehicle to be used in the royal parks 
in Tokio. This jinrikisha, or " pull-man car," as the 
name signifies, became instantly popular. There are few 
horses in Japan, and the little cart met a great need. 
Japan now exports large numbers of jinrikishas ; and she 
owes this source of profit to a Christian missionary. 

The treaty difficulties made it hard for the missionaries 

to obtain passports for the interior, and native agencies 

were utilized for carrying on the country work. The 

need of rest caused Mr. and Mrs. Rhees, of Kobe, and 

Miss Eaton, of Yokohama, to take a furlough in 1889 
230 






BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 231 

Late in the } r ear, the " Belgic " brought four recruits, 
Rev. J. L. Dearing to Yokohama, Rev. G. W. Taft and 
wife to Tokio, Rev. S. W. Hamblen to Sendai, and Rev. 
T. E. Shoemaker and wife to Shimonoseki. Miss N. J. 
Wilson, from Burma, in search of health, found herself 
so much improved upon reaching Japan, that she devoted 
herself to work in Yokohama. 

In 1890, Miss Kidder returned to Tokio, accompanied 
by Miss L. Adele Phillips, for Sendai, and Miss Clara 
Converse, sent to aid Mrs. Brown in her girls' boarding 
school in Yokohama. Including the missionaries of the 
Southern Board, and the English Baptist Mission, there 
were thirty-one Baptist workers' wives included, at 
Yokohama. A great extension of work was planned 
at a convention of nearly all the Baptist missionaries in 
Japan. The growth of the Theological Seminary de- 
manded more attention than the overworked laborers 
could give ; and they earnestly besought that a man 
might be sent to give this solemnly important work his 
entire attention. There were training classes for women 
at some of the stations, under the care of the missionaries 
of the Women's Board. 

As the foreign workers were confined mostly to the 
treaty towns, they could only rely upon native agencies 
for the interior. The anti-foreign feeling was a great 
hindrance. " Japan for the Japanese ! " was the war 
cry of a large party. 



232 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 



Miss Olive Blunt went to Japan in 1890, designated to 
Shimonoseki. Miss Lavinia Mead was also sent to Sen- 
dai. Miss Sands, so long identified with the Tokio work, 
was married to Rev. J. C. Brand, one of the newly ap- 
pointed missionaries to the capital. Mr. L. E. Martin, for 
years a teacher in Japan, entered into the service of the 
Missionary Union. Mrs. Ellen Sharland, another ex- 
perienced helper, was accepted as a self-supporting mis- 
sionary, and designated to Shimonoseki. 

A conference of Japan missionaries at Kobe, in De- 
cember, 1890, had grave questions to consider, in view of 
the present crisis. A revision of the Japanese hymn 
book, and a better support of the religious paper, " The 
Mustard Seed," were resolved upon. The imperative 
necessity of a high grade boys' school, to keep the sons 
of Christians from the contamination of government 
schools, and to serve as a feeder to the Theological 
Seminary, and its vital importance to the Baptist cause 
in Japan, was recognized. An earnest appeal for twenty- 
three more men, needed to save the Baptist mission in 
Japan from disaster, was signed by the missionaries. 

At the Baptist anniversaries in 1891, steps were taken 
looking toward the raising of twenty-five thousand dollars 
for such a boys' school in Japan. 

In 1891, the English Baptist Board, in view of urgent 
needs elsewhere, offered to transfer its Japan mission to 
the Missionary Union, which offer was accepted. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 233 

The history of Baptist effort in Japan must include a 
sketch of the Nemuro mission. 

In 1866, Eev. C. H. Carpenter, of blessed memory 
among Bassein Karens, wished to establish an independ- 
ent mission in some destitute place in a temperate climate. 
His attention was drawn to the Ainos, on the island of 
Yesso, Japan. The Ainos are a distinct race from the 
Japanese, probably the remnant of a numerous nation 
inhabiting Japan before its present possessors. 

The Carpenters chose Nemuro as a location, and ex- 
pected to spend two years in the study of the language 
before entering on mission work. But immediately 
native Christians appeared, urgently requesting public 
worship on the Lord's Day. A good beginning was 
made, but in less than a year Mr. Carpenter died. Na- 
tive helpers carried on the work, superintended by Mrs. 
Carpenter. In August, 1877, Mr. Carpenter's brother, 
Mr. L. D. Carpenter, and wife, came to Nemuro. But 
the old trouble of treaty revision came up, and the mis- 
sionaries could not stay, unless they would teach an 
English school. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter left the mis- 
sion. An ordained native preacher came from Yoko- 
hama, and after three weeks faithful labor, organized 
the church in Nemuro with eleven members. In 1890 
the work came into connection with the Missionary 
Union, while still supported by Mrs. Carpenter. Besides 
this lady, Rev. W. B. Parshley and wife, and Miss L. 



234 BAPTIST FOKEIGN MISSIONS. 

Cummings are at Nemuro, hard at work, with bright 
hopes for the future of the Ainos. 

The report for 1891 gives the native Baptist member- 
ship in Japan as one thousand fifty-six, one hundred and 
forty-six of whom were baptized in 1890. There are 
thirty-six native preachers and forty-five missionaries. 

The religious problem in Japan is a grave one. The 
converts to Christianity are from the ruling classes, the 
educated people, with whom is found intense national 
feeling. They aspire to a Japanese Christianity, some- 
thing different from the Western faith. The danger is 
that it will be a composite Christianity, mingled with 
elements of Buddhism and Shintooism. Impatience of 
missionary control is one of the signs of the times. 
Japanese Christians are moving in the direction of a 
national church, to the overthrowing of denominational 
bars. Baptists will not object if the Bible alone is taken 
as the standard. Dr. Mabie, the Home Secretary of the 
Missionary Union, after having in 1890 made the tour 
of our Asiatic missions, brought this word of hope re- 
garding Japan : " Let Baptists get ready for what is 
coming in Japan ; they are turning to the simple Script- 
ures. A large body of them propose, Pedobaptists that 
that they are, to dispense with infant baptism. I am not 
alarmed that the Japanese insist upon doing their own 
thinking. They will presently come round to the 
truth." 



BAPTIST FOKEIGN MISSIONS. 235 

In view of this, American Baptists should echo Dr. 
Brown's words, with prayer and purse, " God bless the 
Japanese ! " 

In 1860, the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern 
Baptist Convention resolved upon a mission to Japan. 
Rev. J. Q. Rohrer and wife were designated to that field. 
They sailed in October, 1860, in company with Rev. A. 
L. Bond and wife, under appointment to China. The 
ship that bore them out of sight of watching eyes in New 
York harbor was never heard from afterward. After 
this sad event, no further effort was made in this direc- 
tion for many years. 

In November, 1889, Messrs. McCullom and Brunson, 
with their wives, reached Japan, appointed to begin a 
mission in that country. After inspecting a number of 
places, they settled temporarily at Kobe, with the mis- 
sionaries of the Union. With the advice and kind 
assistance of Dr. Mabie, while in Japan, Osaka was 
selected as a point of permanent occupancy. The Mis- 
sionary Union had made a beginning in Osaka, but they 
withdrew, leaving that entire field to the Southern 
Board. 

In March, 1891, a church was organized at Osaka, of 
fifteen members. Forty-five names were on the school 
roll. An earnest plea was made by the missionaries for 
one thousand dollars for a chapel, and for co-workers to 
meet the great needs on everv hand. 



236 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 



QUESTIONS. 

1. Tell the story of the jinrikisha. 

2. What compelled the use of native agencies in country work ? 

3. What workers on furlough, and what workers in 1889 ? 

4. What missionary sent by the Southern Board ? 

5. How many Baptist workers at Yokohama ? 

6. Sketch the general work and its needs. 

7. What was the war cry of the anti foreign party ? 

8. W T hat new workers in 1890 ? 

9. What is said of the missionary convention at Kobe ? 

10. What important measure was resolved upon at the Anni- 
versaries in America in 1891 ? 

11. What action of the English Baptist Board the same year? 

12. Give the story of the Nemuro mission. 

13. What are the statistics for 1890 ? 

14. What is said of the religious problem in Japan ? 

15. What word of hope did Dr. Mabie bring from Japan ? 

16. What sad providence attended the first attempt of the 
Southern Board to plant a mission in Japan ? 

17. When and by whom was the mission established? 

18. Give the story of their decision to locate in Osaka ? 

19. Latest statistics? 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

THE OLD AND THE NEW. 

T)APTIST missions in Africa extend back nearly to 
•*-* the beginnings of American foreign mission work. 
In 1820, two colored men were sent out by the First 
Baptist Church of Richmond, Virginia, and recognized 
as missionaries of the Triennial Convention. 

For some years missionaries were employed in Liberia 
and West Africa, but they soon fell victims to the deadly 
African fever. Going to Africa meant early translation 
or physical wreck. In spite of reverses the work ad- 
vanced. The first African Association was formed in 
1835, numbering five churches. The Bassa language 
was reduced to writing by Rev. W. G. Crocker, who also 
prepared a vocabulary and spelling book. The printing 
press came in 1840, and soon gave the people primary 
books — Matthew, Acts, and a hymn book. In 1846, a 
dictionary was published. 

But the West African Mission had been attended with 
such singular fatality that, in 1856, it was indefinitely 
suspended. 

At the close of the war in 1865, attention was again 

drawn to Liberia. A memorial was presented from 

237 



238 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Baptist representatives, asking aid for missions already 
planted in Africa. The Board appointed four colored 
men, tried and true, laboring on the field. One of these, 
Jacob Von Brunn, — a Bassa king, a Baptist minister, 
and a Liberian magistrate, — was signally successful. 
Kevivals of religion followed with many baptisms. 

War in Liberia, occasioned by the invasion of hostile 
tribes, interfered with mission work. In 1876, the death 
of Mr. Von Brunn led to the discontinuance of appro- 
priations. In 1881, the Woman's Boards assumed the 
support of two women teaching in Liberia — Mrs. Cath- 
erine M. Hill and Mrs. Matilda Von Brunn. They had 
charge of evangelical work as well as of the schools. 
The aid given this field has lately been withdrawn. 

Thus closes the brief chapter of Baptist mission work 
in West Africa. Its record is on high. 

We turn this leaf for the new chapter. Livingstone 
had explored, and prayed, and died. Stanley, searching 
for Livingstone, was led to explore the mysteries of 
Central Alrica. The reports of his discoveries caused 
English Christians to send the gospel to the millions 
in the Congo valley. What the Missisippi is to America, 
the Yangtze to China, the Amazon to South America, 
the Congo is to Africa. Its broad, fertile valleys sustain 
many millions of souls, perishing in spiritual darkness. 

The Livingstone Inland mission is of English Baptist 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 239 

origin, and for six years was supported by Mr. and Mrs. 
H. Grattan Guinness, of London. In this time it became 
too large an enterprise for private control. In 1883, a 
chain of six stations connected the coast with Stanley 
Pool, the head of navigation for the Upper Congo. A 
series of cataracts separates the upper from the lower 
river. A stern-wheel paddle steamer, the Henry Reed, 
was placed on the Upper Congo for missionary service. 
Before this steamer lies open fourteen thousand miles of 
river and lake shore, where, without leaving the vessel, 
the missionary can reach more than half a million souls. 

In 1883, Mr. and Mrs. Guinness made a formal offer 
of the Livingstone Inland mission, with its steamer, its 
staff of twenty-six workers, its seven stations, its mission 
property, to the American Baptist Missionary Union, 
upon the single condition that it should receive vigorous 
support. This offer was accepted in 1884. The work of 
preparation, rich in treasure and costly lives, had been 
done, and a prospect of magnificent fruitage was at hand. 
The climate, less deadly than on the coast, offers a fair 
chance of life and health to the prudent foreigner. The 
death rate on the Congo has been as low as in any other 
mission of the denomination. 

The work of the Missionary Union began with stations 
at Mukimvika, Palabala, Banza Manteke, Lukunga, 
Leopoldville, and Equator Station. 

The location of the stations proved exceedingly w r ise. 



240 BAPTIST FOEEIGN MISSIONS. 

Stanley's road was on the north side, while the missions 
were all on the south side of the river. Later authorities 
have adopted this route. The projected railroad con- 
necting the Upper and Lower Congo is surveyed along 
this side. 

A glimpse of Palabala reveals a strange scene. Mr. 
Clark, mission treasurer, was stationed here, and his 
duties seem peculiar to one unacquainted with the cus- 
toms of the country. There is no currency on the Congo. 
All trade is by barter. Everything is paid for in goods, 
even the salaries of the missionaries. Whatever is needed 
must be purchased in England or America, and sent to 
be used just as money would be elsewhere. Palabala is 
the distributing point, and therefore appears more like a 
commercial establishment than a mission station, for here 
the goods are received, stored, and sent to the up-river 
stations by native carriers. Yet this is mission work, 
and evangelical labor is not neglected. 

Good news from the Congo came in 1886. A wonder- 
ful work of grace began at Banza Manteke, under charge 
of Rev. Henry Richards, and continued for several years, 
until more than a thousand had been baptized. The 
missionary preached twice every day; in a single year 
seven hundred sermons. The Congo people wish sermons 
an hour and a half long. They have so much to learn! 
For six years Mr. Richards had labored without a con- 
vert, and then the blessing came. The candidates were 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 241 

baptized a few at a time, after careful instruction. The 
interest spread to the neighboring stations. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. How far back does mission work in Africa extend? 

2. Who were the first missionaries? When and by whom sent 
out? 

3. In what part of Africa were the earliest missionaries ? 

4. Sketch the early history. 

5. In what year was the work resumed? 

6. Why and when was the work given up? 

7. What later work was done by the women's societies ? 

8. What is said of Livingstone and Stanley? 

9. Describe the origin of the Livingstone Inland mission? 

10. What was the development of the work in 1883, as offered 
to the Missionary Union? 

11. What is said of the climate? 

12. Name the stations given to the Missionary Union. 

13. What is said of their location ? 

14. Give a glimpse of the mission treasurer's work at Palabala. 

15. Tell the story of the revival at Banza Manteke. 

SUPPLEMEXTAEY HEADINGS. 

LEAFLETS. 

The Pentecost on the Congo. Notes on Africa. The Congo 
Mission. 



Q 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 

LIGHT IN DARKNESS. 

A N idea of one feature of African mission work may 
-£-*- be gained from the story of the chapel at Banza 
Manteke. It is an iron building, capable of seating five 
hundred people. It was sent out in sections, which were 
divided into man-loads, for carrying it up country, over 
ranges of hills and a rough road. 

Mr. Richards writes: "The chapel is not all from 
Tunduwa. It is a great work, for we have only about 
a hundred able-bodied Christian men who can walk a 
distance of over fifty miles, and bring back a load of 
timber or iron upon their heads. Many of these have 
gone down four times for loads. Think of men walking 
four hundred miles, bringing heavy loads, receiving no 
pay ! The women, in order to help, worked, and gave 
their earnings to carriers for bringing chapel loads. We 
have now about six hundred loads up — four hundred yet 
to come." Later we read of the chapel erected, and in 
use for God's worship. 

Equator Station, on the Upper Congo, directly under 
the equator, is planted among the Balolos, a tribe supe- 
rior to any other yet discovered on the Congo. With 
242 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 243 

superb physical development, fine intellect, friendly, in- 
dustrious, they are destined to play an important part in 
the future of Africa. They excel as agriculturists, and 
in commercial activity. Experts in the working and 
smelting of brass, many of the results of their craft are 
very artistic. Their dress shows their superior civiliza- 
tion, Not an idol has been found among them. They 
believe in a Superior Being and a future life, but not in 
the Christian's God. The only means of communication 
with the lower river is by the steamer. 

The dialects on the Congo are varying. Yet all in- 
vestigation goes to show that they may be reduced to 
three or four written languages. The New Testament 
has been translated into one of these tongues. The work 
of translation is yet in an incipient state. 

Banza Manteke learned the rudiments of self-support 
at an early day. Mr. Ingham writes : " They give at the 
meeting a collection, which is taken in a Scarboro trunk, 
consisting of beads, bells, handkerchiefs, and little bits 
of cloth. With this they buy food for the sick and pay 
the evangelist. Cloth that is of no other use will bind 
up ulcers, which I must dress." 

The exploration of the Upper Congo valley, largely 
due to missionaries, revealed the fact of a densely popu- 
lated, fertile, well-cultivated country in the interior. The 
trade of this region is rapidly increasing, and steamers 
are multiplying on the Upper Congo. Missionary effort 



244 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

must precede the trader, or much valuable time will be 
lost. 

In 1889, Mr. and Mrs. Guinness inaugurated the 
Congo Balolo mission, beyond Equator Station, on two 
main tributaries of the river. The work is auxiliary to 
our Congo mission, and is in strict co-operation. 

In 1890, a steam launch, the " Evangel," was placed 
on the lower river. The expenses of the " Henry Reed " 
had been provided by a stock company, which in 
view of its enlarged work has taken the name of the 
Congo Steamboat Company. The Congo Balolo mission 
built the " Pioneer " for its use on the upper river. 

Irebu was founded in 1890, sixty miles below Equa- 
tor Station. It has probably the finest site of any 
station. 

Matadi, the starting point of the Congo Railway, is an 
important and busy place. A mission has been estab- 
lished, and it is now the point of departure for the up- 
country caravans, instead of Palabala. Rev. William A. 
Hall is the missionary in charge, and he holds services 
with the natives who come down in caravans, and with 
the workmen on the railroad. Kinjila is the youngest of 
the stations, established in 1891. 

The statistics of this, the latest of our missionary enter- 
prises, shows encouraging growth. The report for 1890 
gives thirty-five missionaries actually on the field, ten 
unordained native preachers, four hundred and fifty-four 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 245 

native membership. God has a work for American Bap- 
tists in Congo land. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. Tell of the chapel at Banza Manteke. 

2. Where is Equator Station ? 

3. Describe the Balolos. 

4. What is said of the dialects on the Congo ? 

5. Describe a collection at Banza Manteke. 

6. What does exploration of the Upper Congo valley reveal? 

7. What recent mission has been begun by Mr. and Mrs. Guin- 
ness? 

8. What is the " Evangel," and where is it at work ? 

9. WTiat is the Congo Steamboat Company? 

10. What second steamer is on the Upper Congo ? 

11. What is said of Irebu? 

12. What gives Matadi its importance? 

13. Give latest statistics. 

SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS. 
M Life on the Congo," by Herbert Probert 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

LIBERIA AND SIERRA LEONE. 

rjlHE history of Liberian missions up to the year 1846 
-*- is given under that of the Triennial Convention. 
After the organization of the Southern Baptist Conven- 
tion, in 1845, both boards had missions in Liberia and 
Sierra Leone, until 1856, when the Missionary Union 
withdrew from the field. 

John Day and A. L. Jones were the first missionaries 
appointed by the Southern Board in this country. Mr. 
Jones died before entering into service, while Mr. Day 
gave thirteen years varied and efficient labor, which ended 
only with his death, in 1859. In 1850 there were sixteen 
missionaries, teachers, and assistants occupying ten stations. 

The record of the years following is one of constant 

change of laborers. The coast climate of Africa is most 

deadly in its effect upon foreigners. Nevertheless, as one 

worker fell, another was ready to take his place, and thus 

the good work went on. In 1861, there were reported in 

connection with the Liberian missions, twenty-three 

churches, nineteen pastors, sixty-three baptized during 

the year, and a total of one thousand two hundred and 

fifty-eight members. 
246 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 247 

During the war in America, the churches in Liberia 
were thrown upon their own resources. Aid was after- 
ward resumed, although the opening of the Yoruba mis- 
sion, presenting a more promising and needy field, caused 
the transfer thither of the main operations of the Board 
in Africa. 

The Yoruban mission was founded in 1850 by Rev. T. 
J. Bowen, under the patronage of the Southern Board. 
His associate, Henry Goodale, died in Africa before 
reaching Yoruba. For two years Bowen labored and 
explored with indefatigable zeal. Returning, he pub- 
lished the results of his explorations in a valuable work 
on Central Africa. Having married, he hastened back 
to his beloved field. In 1853, Messrs. J. S. Dennard and 
J. H. Lacy, and their wives, were sent to reinforce the 
mission. Rev. W. H. Clarke went out in 1854, and in 
1856 three other men with their wives. Four stations 
were opened, missionary houses and chapels built, 
churches and schools established, and the saving power 
of the gospel made evident. But death and disease 
caused sad havoc among the laborers. The Dennards, 
earnest and devoted, both died within a year. Four of 
the rest came home to die, and others returned perma- 
nently wrecked in health. Nine years faithful service 
was given in Yoruba by Rev. J. M. Harden, a colored 
missionary, transferred from Liberia. After his death, 
his wife continued his work. Rev. A. D. Phillips labored 



248 BAPTIST FOKEIGN MISSIONS. 

with signal success from 1855 to 1867, when war and 
persecution drove him from the field, leaving his beloved 
wife sleeping in Africa. Another seven years well- 
rounded service was given by Rev. T. A. Reid, who also 
buried his wife in Yoruba. Others during varying 
periods of labor aided in the work. 

During the war, the Yoruban mission languished. In 
1875, it was re-organized by Rev. W. J. David and Rev. 
W. W. Colley. They found gratifying evidence of the 
faithful work of the preceding years. Many of the native 
Christians had remained steadfast, and the leaven of 
gospel truth was steadily working. A chapel and mis- 
sion house, greatly needed at Lagos, were erected at an 
expense of four thousand dollars. The work was much 
hindered by the terrible wars raging in the province. 
Yet there was progress, and souls were continually turn- 
ing: to the li^ht. 

In 1878, Mr. David, broken in health, came home in 
order to save his life. The same year he was married, 
and late the next year sailed for Africa with his wife 
and child, settling at Abbeokuta. They soon buried the 
little one under the tropic palms. Mr. and Mrs. Eubank 
joined them in 1882. Messrs. Smith, Cook, and Mr. and 
Mrs. Harvey reached Lagos two years later. In June, 
1884, Mr. David came home for a brief change, and by 
six months incessant work with tongue and pen, aroused 
a great interest in Africa. Returning to Yoruba the 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 249 

next year, he took -with him the material for a new 
chapel, costing five thousand dollars. In his absence, 
Mr. Eubank had maintained a faithful oversight of the 
mission. He says : " I cannot write of earnest appeals 
for the gospel, but I write of millions going down to 
dearh, not knowing nor caring for the way of salvation." 

In 1885, the harvest time began for Lagos. About a 
hundred souls were converted. The next year the mis- 
sion was sorely stricken by the death of Mrs. David. 
Her dying words ring like a trumpet call, " Never give 
up Africa ! " Mr. David brought his motherless children 
home, then hastening back, opened a school for higher 
education at Lagos. Mr. Smith located at Abbeokuta 
and married Miss Cynthia Morris, who had gone out to 
Africa. The Harveys and Eubanks returned home on 
furlough. The latter went back to Africa the next year. 

In 1889, trouble arose in Lagos, resulting in the divi- 
sion of the church. The five stations of the Southern 
Board in Yoruba are Lagos, Abbeokuta, Ogbomoshaw, 
Gaun, and Hausser Farm. The reinforcements for 1889 
were Rev. C. C. Newton, w T ife and daughter, for Lagos ; 
Rev. W. J. Lumbley and wife, for Abbeokuta. The 
Smiths were transferred to Ogbomoshaw. The other 
stations were in care of native evangelists. 

The next year Mrs. Smith died, and Mr. Smith and 
Mr. David returned to America to recruit failing 
strength. Four churches were reported in Africa, with 



250 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

fifty-eight members ; twenty-eight schools, with one hun- 
dred and fifty pupils. 

In 1890, the Eubanks removed to Ogbomoshaw. The 
trouble in Lagos presented a perplexing problem. But 
amid the shadows there was cheering light. The Dark 
Continent shall yet be illumined with the glorious beams 
of the gospel. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. In what year did the Missionary Union withdraw from 
Liberia ? 

2. Who were the first Southern missionaries, and what is said 
of them ? 

3. What is the record of the year following, and why ? 

4. What report in 1861? 

5. What was the result of the war in America? 

6. To what mission were the main operations afterward trans- 
ferred ? 

7. When was the Yoruba founded? 

8. Who was his associate, and what was his fate ? 

9. W T hat did Bowen accomplish during the first two years ? 

10. Later reinforcements ? 

11. What was acomplished? 

12. What is said of the Dennards ? 

13. What of the others ? 

14. What is said of the Hardens ? 

15. What of the Phillips ? 

16. What of theKeids? 

17. When and by whom was the Yoruban mission reorganized ? 

18. What results of previous work did they find ? 

19. What aids were secured at Lagos ? 

20. What is said of the work ? 

21. Give account of Mr. David from 1878 to 1882. 

22. Who were the later helpers ? 

23. How did Mr. David employ his next vacation ? 

24. How did Mr. Eubank describe the condition of the people ? 

25. What is said of the harvest year? 

26. Give account of the death of Mrs. David. 

27. What further changes ? 

28. What trouble, when and where? 

29. What are the five stations of the Yoruba mission ? 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 251 

30. State reinforcements in 1889. 

31. What changes the next year? 

32. Report of results in Africa. 

33. Later intelligence. 

SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS. 
Central Africa, by Bowen. 

LEAFLETS. 

Africa, by T. R. Bell. Africa : Its Opportunities and Dangers. 



CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

MISSIONS IN BRAZIL. 

rpHE Foreign Board of the Southern Baptist Con- 
-*- vention began work in Brazil in 1859. Rev. T. 
J. Bowen, returning from Yoruba, Africa, offered to go 
to Rio Janeiro. His offer was accepted, but broken 
health and other obstacles soon caused him to leave the 
field, and the mission was abandoned. 

In 1873, letters were received from a Baptist church 
of English-speaking people in Santa Barbara. Through 
their pastor, they appealed to the Southern Board, ask- 
ing that missionaries be sent to preach the gospel in 
their country. This resulted in the appointment, in 
1879, of Rev. E. H. Quillen, as a missionary in Brazil. 
In 1881, Rev. W. H. Bagby and wife were sent to rein- 
force the mission. At this time there was a church of 
thirty members in Santa Barbara, and another of twelve 
members at " Station." 

March 4, of the next year, Rev. and Mrs. Z. C. Taylor 

joined Mr. Bagby. These missionaries soon removed to 

Bahia. A report later, says, "When Brethren Bagby 

and Taylor went to Brazil, they were young in years 

and experience ; but they have displayed great aptitude 
252 






BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 253 

in learning the language, and ranch wisdom in the man- 
agement of their work." 

In 1884, twenty were baptized at Bahia, and there- 
was a church of twenty-five members. The next year, 
Mr. and Mrs. Bagby removed to Rio Janeiro, and in 
August, a Baptist church of four members was organized. 
A year later, Messrs. Puthuff and Daniel, with their 
wives, and Miss Nina Everett, were designated to Brazil, 
the Daniels to locate with Mr. Taylor, at Bahia, the 
others at Rio Janeiro. 

The year 1887 brought changes. The Taylors and 
Miss Everett having returned with broken health, and 
the Bagbys being also absent on furlough, Rev. E. H. 
Soper and wife were placed in charge at Rio Janeiro, 
and the Puthuffs at Santa Barbara. The work accom- 
plished was done in the face of fiercest opposition. The 
following year, the Taylors and Bagbys joyfully re- 
turned, and Miss Maggie Rice was added to the force at 
Rio Janeiro, and J. A. Barker and wife to Bahia. 

In 1889, Miss Rice, who had proved herself an inde- 
fatigable missionary, fell a victim to yellow fever, sorely 
bereaving the mission. Miss Emma Morten was at once 
appointed to take up her work. Fields were opening on 
every hand, and churches being established. A new 
station was begun at Meras Geraes by the Daniels. The 
ill health of Mrs. Barker at Bahia caused Mr. Taylor to 
lose these valuable helpers. The Sopers also were com- 



254 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

pelled to flee, leaving the Taylors entirely alone on this 
important field. A recent change of government, in- 
volving civil marriages, religious liberty, and separation 
of Church and State, gave promise of better things, and 
the removal of many barriers to mission work. 

The Daniels had also broken down under heavy 
burdens, and had gone away in search of health to the 
States, leaving four Baptist missionaries to preach to 
fifteen million Brazilians. The Bahia church raised one 
thousand dollars toward a house of worship, to which 
the Board added four thousand dollars, thus securing a 
commodious edifice. 

The needs of this field are as " great as the mercies of 
God. and the depth of human woe." Rome claims fair 
Brazil, and only by hand-to-hand conflict can her power 
be overcome. But the battle is the Lord's, and already 
are there tokens of glorious victories in this " Land of 
the Southern Cross." 

QUESTIONS. 

1. What board began work in Brazil, and when? 

2. What led to the adoption of the field ? 

3. Who was appointed as the first missionary ? 

4. Who was sent later, and what results of work were visible ? 

5. What missionaries followed, and where did they locate ? 

6. What is said of Messrs. Bagbv and Taylor? 

7. What was accomplished at Bahia? 

8. To what field did the Bagbys remove? 

9. Who were the next reinforcements, and where sent? 

10. Relate events in 1887 ? 

11. What loss in 1889 ? Who was sent to fill the vacancy? 

12. What encouragements ? 

13. What is said of the Barkers and Sopers? 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 255 

14. What event gave promise of better things ? 

15. What is said of the Daniels? 

16. What evidence of self-help in Bahia, and what was the 
result? 

17. What is said of the needs of this field, and the claims of 
Borne ? 

SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS. 

Brazil and the Brazilians. 

LEAFLETS. 

The Land of the Southern Cross. 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 

MISSION IN CtJBA. 

rriHIS mission, although prosecuted by the Home 
-*■ Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, is as 
truly a foreign mission as any whose annals are given in 
this history, and deserves mention. 

When Dr. Carey first wrote to the Baptists of America, 
urging upon them the claims of Judson, he said: "I 
think your first field should be the West India Islands." 
But through all the years, this field, lying at our very 
gates, has been until of late neglected. 

In December, 1885, Alberto J. Diaz was ordained as 
a Baptist minister. A month later, a Baptist church 
was organized in Havana, with Mr. Diaz as its pastor. 
In 1888, the Home Board reported as follows : " One of 
the most remarkable works of modern missions is now in 
progress in the island of Cuba. In but little more than 
two years since the organization of the first church on 
that island, eleven hundred have been baptized. Nine 
native preachers, some of them men of marked ability, 
have been raised up to preach the gospel. Daily schools 
and Sunday-schools have been established, where hun- 
dreds of the children are taught the way of life. And so 
256 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 257 

rapid 1ms been the increase of popular favor toward our 
work that about one-half the population of Havana are 
in sympathy with our people. Nearly one-half the dead 
of Havana are buried in our Baptist cemetery. 

"One of the most eminent of the priests on the island 
having become a thorough convert to our faith, and 
having accepted Christ as his personal Saviour, has 
avowed his intention of uniting with our Baptist people 
and preaching the gospel in Cuba. 

" The Lord has indeed done marvelous things in Cuba 
for us, whereof we are glad." 

QUESTIONS. 

1. By what Society is this mission supported ? 

2. What did Dr. Carey say about the West India Islands? 

3. When was Alberto J. Diaz ordained ? 

4. When was the Baptist church in Havana organized? 

5. Who was the pastor? 

6. When was the Baptist movement in Cuba first considered by 
the Board of the Southern Baptist Convention? 

7. What did the Board say of the work? 

8. In two years, how many had been baptized? 

9. How many native preachers raised up ? 

10. What is said of the prospects of the mission? 



R 



CHAPTER XL. 

MISSIONS IN MEXICO. 

TN 1862, Rev. James Hickey, an independent Baptist 
-■- minister, went into Mexico, and in 1864 established 
a church at Monterey. This work has been followed up 
by the Northern Baptist Home Mission Society. 

The Foreign Board of the Southern Baptist Conven- 
tion began work in Mexico in 1880, appointing two men 
already on the field, Rev. J. O. Westrup, and Rev. Wm. 
Flournoy. its missionaries. Mr. Westrup was murdered 
in December, 1880, by a band of Indians and Mexicans, 
probably at Roman Catholic instigation. The blood of 
the martyr missionary proved the seed of the church. 
At that time there were eight Baptist organizations in 
Mexico under care of missionaries of the Southern Bap- 
tist Convention, with two hundred members. Mr. Flour- 
noy writes : " The law gives every facility. The people 
wish to hear, but are slow to understand. The priests 
oppose, but there is a religious awakening." 

In 1882, Rev. Wm. Powell and wife, and Miss Annie 
Mayberry received appointment, reaching Mexico in 
October. Their location was Saltillo, the capital of the 

State of Coahuila. 
258 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 259 

The work was immediately successful, the preaching 
attracting large numbers. Persecution became violenr, 
so that the mayor provided police protection for the pub- 
lic services. One night the house was stoned, but God 
shielded his own. 

Mrs. Powell and Miss May berry opened a school for 
girls. The only way to reach the women, who were 
completely under the control of the priests, was to visit 
them in their houses, and tell them the story of redeem- 
ing love. 

Eecords of success are ever inspiring. The story of 
the Mexican mission cannot fail to stir the heart of a 
true-hearted Christian. A Baptist paper was begun in 
1883, and more than paid expenses from the beginning ; 
a mission school in Saltillo being supported with the net 
profits. It had a larger circulation than the combined 
membership of the churches, and aided materially in 
spreading the truth. A generous Bible fund aided in 
scattering the gospel far and wide through papal 
Mexico. 

Through the favor of Governor Madero, valuable 
property came into the hands of the missionaries at Sal- 
tillo, on exceedingly favorable terms. The most classic 
building in the city was an old unfinished temple, with a 
stone front carved in beautiful designs. The walls were 
eighty feet wide by two hundred feet long. Work 
ceased upon it in 1810, waiting through all the years for 



260 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

the fullness of time to convert it into a temple for the 
Lord. By the favor of the governor, this property, 
which had cost twenty-seven thousand dollars, was pur- 
chased, for two thousand dollars. 

The corner stone of the " Temple Baptist Church " of 
Saltillo, was laid in February, 1885, and the building 
stood complete in 1887, a beautiful and fit monument of 
the faith preached within its walls. 

Beside the " Temple," the Board purchased the " Mar- 
queta," a large quadrangular building, one story high, 
with court, fountain, and -arcade. This was renovated 
and prepared for a girls' normal school, named the 
" Madero Institute." It was opened in October, 1884, 
with seventy pupils. Miss Addie Barton and Miss Mary 
C. Tupper were appointed teachers. Senor Jose Car- 
denas was the principal. An Association of Mexican 
Baptist churches was organized at Saltillo, in December 
of this year, with eight churches, representing a member- 
ship of one hundred and fifty. The idea of self-support 
and benevolence was becoming prominent. The Associ- 
ation raised seven hundred dollars for the support of 
two native missionaries. 

In 1887, we find the line of Southern Baptist missions 
in Mexico complete from the Kio Grande to the Pacific. 
In March of this year, Eev. D. A. Wilson and wife were 
sent to Guadalajara. Another new missionary was Rev. 
H. P. McCormick, who, with his wife, was designated to 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 261 

Zacatecas, where they were joined by Miss Barton. Miss 
Tupper's dangerous illness compelled her departure, 
greatly to the sorrow of all* 

In every direction there was a harvest of souls, and 
large numbers w T ere baptized. But persecution was still 
active. Mr. Powell was imprisoned while pursuing his 
missionary labors. He was soon released, but was hin- 
dered by the enmity of the priests in every possible way. 

A great enlargement of the work took place in 1888. 
Miss Mattie Withers, Miss Lucy Cabaniss, and Mrs. J. 
P. Duggan, were sent as missionary teachers to Madero 
Institute. Rev. H. R. Mosely and wife were appointed 
to take charge at Saltillo, that Dr. Powell might be 
released to take up the work of a general missionary. 
Rev. A. B. Rudd, and Miss Sallie Hale, went to Parras, 
Rev. J. G. and Mrs. Chastain, to Matehuala, Rev. A. C. 
and Mrs. Watkins, to Musquiz and Rio Grande district. 

Saltillo is the educational centre of Southern Baptist 
missions in Mexico. Beside Madero Institute, with its 
five teachers, and seventy pupils, is Zaragoza Institute, 
designed to educate young men for the ministry. A 
Correspondence School is also conducted by Mr. Mosely, 
for the benefit of native preachers who cannot leave their 
churches. 

Dr. Powell thus sketches the present state of matters 
in Mexico : " The morning cometh ! We have carried 
the work from the Texas border to the Pacific coast. 



262 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Opposition is waning. The Government gives us full 
protection. The leading dailies in the City of Mexico 
and throughout the Republic expose Romanism, and 
defend our cause. The clergy have lost ground rapidly 
during the last two years. All our churches and mission 
stations report prosperity. Our force of workers is in- 
sufficient to occupy the territory already open to us. 
We have eighteen American missionaries and fifteen 
native workers. There are eighteen organized churches, 
and about six hundred members. Truly, ' this is the 
Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes ! J " 

QUESTIONS. 

1. What was the first Baptist work in Mexico, when taken up, 
and by what Society ? 

2. Describe the early work of the Southern Board. 

3. What did Mr. Flournoy write ? 

4. In what year, and by whom, was work begun in Saltillo ? 

5. What mingling of success and persecution? 

6. What is said of work among Mexican women? 

7. What remarkable success attended the Baptist paper? 

8. Tell the story of the " Temple Baptist Church." 

9. Tell of Madero Institute and its buildings. 

10. What is said of the Baptist Association? 

11. What grand result was accomplished in 1887? 

12. What later events in this year? 

13. Describe the enlargement of work in 1888. 

14. What educational institutions in Saltillo? 

15. Sketch the state of the mission in 1890. 

SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS. 

LEAFLETS. 

"Mexico," by Rev. F. M. Ellis, D. D. 






CHAPTER XLL 

THE MISSION IN FRANCE. 

T71RANCE has been the scene of varied missionary 
-*- effort. Not Paganism, but Roman Catholicism, 
has been the enemy of progress and gospel light. Rev. 
J. C. Rostan opened a Baptist chapel in Paris, in 1832. 
Public worship was maintained under successive mission- 
aries until 1839. After this, the little church, pastorless, 
quietly evading the notice of its enemies, for many years 
held services in private houses. 

The Roman Catholic religion, so long dominant in 
France, bitterly fought all forms of Protestantism. Louis 
Phillipe, the " citizen king," was completely controlled 
by the priesthood ; and the story of Baptist growth and 
success in France is also the story of continued persecu- 
tion. It took active form at Genlis, where a little church 
had been organized. One of the members built a neat 
chapel upon his own estate, but for eleven years the 
magistrate would not allow it to be opened for worship. 
The magistrates had in charge the execution of the laws, 
and were willing tools in the hands of the priests. For 
some years, every preacher- and colporteur was liable to 

arrest and fine whenever he preached the gospel, 

263 



264 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Wealthy brethren, silk merchants in New York, paid 
the fines of these persecuted laborers, that the truth 
might be proclaimed in spite of priestly craft. The 
magistrates soon discovered the fact, and sought in the 
Baptist Missionary Magazine names and places that 
they might know where to strike. Therefore for several 
years, the reports from France were printed with blank 
spaces, that they might not supply information to the 
enemy. 

The revolution in 1848 drove Louis Phillipe from his 
throne, and the Eepublic of France declared religious 
liberty, almost annulling its force, however, by declaring 
only such forms of religion freed from civil interference 
as were recognized by law. The condition of Baptist 
mission work was improved, but annoyance and hind- 
rance still remained. 

M. Cretin was one of the most prominent and useful 
of the French pastors. Dr. Smith writes of him in 1876: 
"He is a modest man, but energetic and persevering. 
He has written more on Baptist principles than any other 
of the French brethren. Most of the pastors and evan- 
gelists in the employ of the mission have been converted 
under his labors. He is everywhere denounced by the 
priests, but loved and honored by the people." 

Dr. T. T. Devan, formerly a missionary to China, was 
appointed to Paris in 1848, reaching France in the 
earliest days of the Republic. The church had been 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 265 

scattered, but he soon formed one with four members, 
baptizing forty-five within a year. 

In 1849, the mission was divided into the North and 
Southeastern departments. In the later were Lyons and 
St. Etienne. The other portion was near the eastern 
border of the Great Northern Railroad. Dr. Devan 
removed to Lyons, organized a church of four members. 
In spite of bitter persecution, the work advanced. In 
1853, when Dr. Devan retired, there were one hundred 
and six members. With his departure the cause lan- 
guished, until revived under the faithful care of M. 
Cretin. In the Northeast were also the churches of 
Denain, Chauny, and La Fere, existing against heavy 
odds. 

M. Dez, a faithful preacher, followed Dr. Devan at 
Paris. A dark, inconvenient school room was the place 
of meeting for some years ; the only baptistery a large 
tub, in which the candidate, sitting down, was submerged 
by the administrator, standing outside. In 1873, the 
church dedicated a beautiful chapel, with marble front. 
During the time of the Franco-Prussian war, the work 
continued. None of the Baptist church members in 
Paris suffered for food during the terrible siege, supplies 
having previously been sent from England. Only one 
Baptist French soldier was killed. In the bombarded 
cities, not one of the Baptist families received harm. 
Not one had a house burned, or cattle stolen. 



266 BAPTIST FOBEIGN MISSIONS. 

No American missionary has been stationed in France 
since 1856. Native pastors do the work, reporting to 
the Missionary Union. French Baptists are mostly 
poor, but much of the means for prosecuting the work 
is raised on the field. 

An educated ministry is a vital necessity. The people 
have so long been crushed under ecclesiastical despotism, 
that it will take years for them to reach the point of 
independent forethought in religious matters. Hence 
the pastor must be a leader in an especial sense. A 
paper has for some years been published, called " Echo 
de la Verite," which fulfills an important mission. The 
Eastern Woman's Board appointed three Bible readers 
in 1881, to labor among the women and children. 

In 1833, theological training was attempted in Paris, 
and continued successfully for several years, under 
charge of Kev. Henri Andru, assisted by two other 
pastors. In 1885, there were two graduates ; one a 
young man of exceeding promise, M. Philemon Vincent. 
He was ordained and called to the pastorate of the First 
Baptist Church in Paris. He has entered upon a career 
promising great usefulness and success. 

Rev. Reuben Saillens, a Baptist director in the McAll 
mission, organized a second church in Paris, at Rue St. 
Denis, especially designed to gather in the Baptist con- 
verts of the McAll mission. In 1889, there were four 
places for Baptist worship in Paris. In 1891, we find ten 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 267 

churches in France, fifty-two preaching places, and 
thirty-three workers. The immediate charge of the 
work is in the hands of a committee appointed from 
among the pastors, who decide upon all ordinary matters, 
and report to the American Baptist Missionary Union. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. What is the enemy of gospel light in France ? 

2. What is said of Louis Phillipe? 

3. Describe the persecution at Genlis. 

4. Give further details of persecution. 

5. What were the results of the revolution? 

6. What does Dr. Smith say of M. Cretin? 

7. Give account of Dr. Devan's work in Paris. 

8. In what year was the mission divided? 

9. What were the two divisions ? 

10. Sketch Dr. Devan's work in Lyons ? 

11. What other churches in the Northeast? 

12. What of M. Dez' work in Paris? 

13. What was the Baptist record during the Franco-Prussian 
war? 

14. By whom has the work been done in France since 1856? 

15. Why is an educated ministry a vital necessity? 

16. What aid w T as extended bv the Eastern Woman's Board in 
1881? 

17. What year was theological instruction begun in Paris ? 

18. What promising graduate in 1885, and where is he at work? 

19. Give the history of the Hue St. Denis church in Paris. 

20. What is the present condition of the work in France? 

SUPPLEMENTAKY HEADINGS. 

Missionary Sketches. Rambles in Mission Fields. 



CHAPTER XLIL 

THE MISSION IN GERMANY. 

TN 1834, a significant baptism occurred in Hamburg. 
-*- Seven persons, believers in the Baptist faith, were 
quietly baptized by starlight, in the river Elbe, by Dr. 
Barnas Sears, of America. These seven constituted the 
First Baptist Church of Hamburg. One was John Ger- 
hard Oncken, who became the leader of Baptist work in 
Germany. He was ordained pastor of the little flock, and 
soon after entered the service of the Missionary Union as 
General Missionary. 

Each member of the Hamburg church became a vol- 
unteer evangelist. The converts increased with marvel- 
ous rapidity, and the light spread in every direction. In 
1838, the seven had grown to seventy- five, and in Ger- 
many there were four churches and one hundred and 
twenty members. Each of the churches found a pastor 
among its own membership. 

Active persecution began in 1837. In Germany, it 
was the Lutheran Church that was the opposer of purer 
forms of worship. The clergy made complaint to the 
Hamburg Senate, and the police were directed to pre- 
vent any further Baptist proceedings. Decree after 
268 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 269 

decree was issued against them. A moderate degree of 
success might have been tolerated, but the wonderful 
increase in Baptist membership excited alarm. In May, 
1840, Mr. Oncken suffered a four weeks' imprisonment, 
and when set free, the police sold his furniture, to pay 
the costs of his arrest and detention. Others suffered 
fines and incarceration. 

From the 5th till the 8th of May, 1842, a fierce con- 
flagration ra^ed in Hamburg. Dr. Oncken at the time 
wrote that "one quarter of the town had been destroyed, 
and many lives and much property lost. . . . My house 
and those of Brethren Lange and Kobner have been full 
since, having received upward of fnty of the sufferers into 
our new place for preaching, which I had rented only 
fourteen days before." On May 5, 1843, the anniversary 
of the day when this conflagration began, Dr. Oncken 
received a decree from the Senate of Hamburg that he 
"should pay three hundred marks or be imprisoned four 
weeks for having administered the sacraments.'' He was 
accordingly committed to prison on May 15th, the state 
of his health having caused the short delay. Three days 
later he wrote: "My heart bleeds when I think on the 
conduct of my persecutors; if we weep, let it be for 
those who forbid us to preach Christ to perishing 
sinners." It is a pleasure to record the fact that on 
May 19th, the day after this letter of Dr. Oncken 
was written, the Senate of Hamburg set the prisoner 



270 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

free, and that he was afterward left undisturbed in his 
good work. 

As soon as these persecutions were noised abroad, the 
Baptist world was roused to protest. The Board in 
Boston sent Dr. Welch to confer with the President of the 
United States, at Washington, requesting his influence in 
favor of the oppressed Baptists in Germany. There were 
no grounds for political interference, but a representation 
was made through the American consul. Various bodies 
in England and America sent petitions, one from the 
former country bearing live thousand signatures. 

Such an expression of outside opinion had its influence 
with the Government, and the church in Hamburg was 
thereafter free from official interference. Other parts of 
Germany were less favored. Baptist doctrines everywhere 
seemed to arouse the hostility of the National Church, 
and there was much to be endured in behalf of the faith. 
Still the word of the Lord grew and multiplied. It over- 
ran boundaries of state and province, and penetrated far 
into neighboring countries. 

In 1837, a church was formed in Berlin of six members, 
Rev. G. W. Lehmann was ordained its pastor. It flour- 
ished greatly in spite of some persecution. In 1861, it 
dedicated a commodious house of worship. Though 
formerly a despised and unrecognized body, it dared 
invite the king and queen to the dedication of its sanctu- 
ary, and a deputation from the city council was present 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 271 

in all the bravery of its official robes. Mr. Lehinann 
was the beloved pastor of this church for forty-five 
years, when he was called above. His son, long his 
associate, succeeded in the pastoral office. 

The units of Baptist membership in Germany in 1834 
rapidly multiplied into the hundreds and thousands. 
Before 1849, the churches were banded into Associations, 
and in this year the five Associations were formed into a 
Triennial Conference. The sessions were held in Ham- 
burg until 1855, when the delegates gathered in 
Berlin. Since that time it has been a movable annual 
festival. 

In 1853, Mr. Oncken visited the United States, plead- 
ing eloquently and fervently for the German mission. 
As a result, the Board voted to aid the missionaries in 
building chapels to the extent of eight thousand dollars a 
year for five years. 

In 1858, the Hamburg Baptist Church received recog- 
nition from the Senate as a religious corporation. April 
23, 1859, this church celebrated its twenty-fifth anni- 
versary. The original seven had become seven thou- 
sand, stretching across the German States from the 
North Sea to Russia, and from the Baltic to the con- 
fines of Italy. Still the aggressive Baptist hosts of 
Germany were pressing steadily forward to the four 
quarters of the globe. 

We find in this twentv-fifth vear the beginnings of 



272 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

theological training in Germany. Eighteen young men 
studied for seven months in Hamburg. Twelve were 
soon after ordained and sent into the white harvest fields. 
In 1881, the Missionary Uuion voted an annual appro- 
priation of one thousand dollars, to supplement the funds 
raised in Germany. 

In 1878, Dr. Philip Bickel, formerly editor and mana- 
ger of the German Baptist Society in Cleveland, Ohio, 
was sent by the American Baptist Publication Society, 
to take charge of the publication house in Hamburg, 
made over by Dr. Oncken to the German Baptist Union. 
Under his management it became very successful, 
gradually enlarging its sphere of operations, till, besides 
publishing half a dozen papers for church, Sunday- 
school, and mission work, it sent out from its presses 
great numbers of Bibles, tracts, and other religious 
literature. 

Dr. Oncken died in 1884. Born with the century, he 
labored till near its close ; being the spiritual father of 
Baptist work in Germany. 

The jubilee year of the German mission was cele- 
brated in Hamburg on the 23d of April, 1884. The 
original seven had now increased to nearly thirty-two 
thousand. 

The German churches have always given evidence of 
a missionary spirit. In 1865, they sent a missionary to 
German colonists in South Africa ; and in 1867 to China. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 273 

In 1851 the work extended into Russia, where Baptist 
principles and persecution seem to flourish together. 
From two hundred and forty baptisms in 1863, the num- 
ber grew in ten years to more than thirty-five hundred. 
The Greek Church, the Kussian state religion, is intoler- 
ant toward all dissenting bodies. Whether imprisoned 
for the faith, or exiled to far distant Siberia, the laborers 
preached Christ to those within their reach. In 1888, 
under compulsion from the Government, which will not 
allow foreign organizations to control anything upon 
Russian soil, the churches formed a Russian Baptist 
Union. In 1891, the Missionary Union aided the cause 
to the extent of two thousand seven hundred dollars. It 
was through Russian exiles that the gospel was intro- 
duced into Turkey. 

The work in Germany has never been conducted by 
American missionaries. In Mr. Oncken, God gave a 
leader who guided the Baptist hosts to grand victories. 
A committee, as in France, appointed from the workers, 
have charge of the field, disbursing wisely the appropria- 
tions of the Missionary Union. 

The work among German young people is most hope- 
ful. The young men are active in Young Men's Chris- 
tian Association organizations ; the young women, besides 
aiding the home needs, support several Bible women 
among the Telugus. 

An important event in 1888 was the dedication of the 



274 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

new and commodious theological seminary building in a 
handsome suburb of Hamburg. The land, costing five 
thousand dollars, was the gift of Mr. J. D. Rockafeller, 
of New York ; the building, the result of contributions 
from England, America, and Germany. The seminary 
offers a four years course, giving opportunity for thor- 
ough study. 

Besides the missions in Denmark and Russia, which 
have become independent of their mother, the German 
mission has representatives in the Caucasus nearly to 
Persia ; in Turkey, Bulgaria, Roumania, Galicia, Hun- 
gary, Poland, Switzerland, and Holland. " Thus are 
the missions of Europe reaching out toward those of 
Asia." 

QUESTIONS. 

1. Tell the story of the first baptism in Hamburg. 

2. Who became leader of the Baptist work in Germany ? 

3. What was the marvelous record of the Hamburg church ? 

4. Give details of persecution. 

5. The great fire at Hamburg ; Dr. Oncken's imprisonment. 

6. What protest did it arouse, and with what result ? 

7. When was the Berlin church organized, and what was its 
history ? 

8. Give the date and circumstances that led to the formation 
of a Triennial Conference. 

9. Where were its sessions long held ? 

10. What was the result of Mr. Oncken's visit to the United 
States ? 

11. What notable event in 1858 ? 

12. Give the record of the twenty-fifth year. 

13. What is said of theological training? 

14. Give a sketch of Dr. Bickel's work. 

15. What is said of Dr. Oncken's relation to Baptist work in 
Germany ? 

16. Give date of his death. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 275 

17. When was the jubilee of German missions celebrated? 
Give statistics of growth. 

18. "What missionary spirit did the German churches evince? 

19. Sketch the work in Russia. 

20. What is said of the work among the young people ? 

21. Give an account of the dedication of the theological semi- 
nary building in Hamburg. 

22. Give the extension of the German mission. 

SUPPLEMENTAKY READINGS. 
Missionary Sketches. Rambles in Mission Fields. 



CHAPTER XLIIL 

MISSIONS IN SWEDEN. 

AS Oncken was the father of the German Baptist 
mission, Andreas Wiberg was that of the Swedish. 
A Swedish sailor, F. O. Nilsson, converted in New York, 
was led, five years later, to examine the subject of 
baptism. His earnest study had the usual result, and 
seeking in vain for some one in Sweden to baptize him, 
he went to Hamburg and received baptism at the hands 
of Mr. Oncken, in 1847. Later he was ordained in 
Hamburg, and returned to labor in Sweden. 

His success roused Lutheran hostility, and as neither 
fines nor imprisonment could silence him, he was ban- 
ished in 1851, leaving behind him fifty-six baptized 
believers. He became pastor of the little church in 
Copenhagen, afterward going to America. 

Mr. Wiberg had been educated for the Lutheran 
ministry, but was not converted until 1842. He was a 
faithful minister of the Established Church for six 
years. But, being confronted by the question of bap- 
tism, after a long and desperate mental struggle, he 
became convinced that he had been in error. Hence- 
forth he was an uncompromising Baptist. 
276 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 277 

But how was he to receive the ordinance ? The only 
Baptist minister in Sweden had been banished. Em- 
barking for America, in search of health, he found 
himself detained at Copenhagen. He received baptism 
at the hands of Mr. Nilsson, July 23, 1852. 

In 1855, Mr. Wiberg was sent back to Sweden by the 
American Baptist Publication Society, as superintendent 
of colportage. In his absence the work had gone on, 
and he found five hundred Baptists. A book upon 
baptism, written by him before going to America, had 
contributed to this result. 

In Sweden, there was freedom of the press, if not of 
the pulpit. This led Mr. Wiberg to put the truth before 
the people in the " Evangelist," a semi-monthly paper, 
begun in 1856. It was immediately successful, and is 
now the organ of the denomination in Sweden. This 
same year, four men were ordained, and appointed by 
the Publication Society to do colportage and mission 
work. 

The year 1857 was a harvest year, in which one thou- 
sand two hundred and ninety-two were baptized. An 
executive committee was chosen to take charge of the 
interests of the mission. Three efficient workers were 
added, Rev. G. Palmquist, and two brothers. 

Another valuable worker came in 1858, Mr. Adolph 
Drake, of noble birth, educated at the University of 
Upsala. He was baptized in Stockholm. For several 



278 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

years he edited a weekly Baptist paper, and has long 
been a professor in the Bethel Theological Seminary. 

A new chapel was dedicated in Stockholm in 1863, 
costing thirty-five thousand dollars. Mr. Wiberg visited 
England and America to collect the needed funds. In 
this country he aroused great enthusiasm in behalf of 
the Swedish mission. 

The American Baptist Publication Society has the 
honor of inaugurating the grand work in Sweden, and 
carrying it on successfully for ten years. Then as the 
work had grown so rapidly, and there was need for a 
general missionary service, that was not contemplated by 
the Publication Society, in 1866 it was transferred to the 
Missionary Union. Eev. A. Wiberg, Rev. K. O. Broady, 
and a little later, Rev. J. A. Edgren, all natives of Swe- 
den, were appointed as missionaries. Messrs. Broady and 
Edgren were designated to Stockholm, to found a theo- 
logical seminary. Mr. Wiberg's work was the prepara- 
tion of evangelical Baptist literature. 

The Bethel Theological Seminary opened October 1, 
1866, with seven students, since which time it has been a« 
permanent institution, sending out its yearly graduates to 
the needy northern fields. - 

The Swedish churches were not unmindful of the 
regions beyond. In 1867, a church was organized in 
Norway, and in the autumn of 1868, four were baptized 
at Tromsoe, north of the Arctic Circle, near the region 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 279 

of perpetual snow. On the last day of December, a 
church of fifty members was organized. The ordinance 
of baptism was administered without difficulty, in mid- 
winter, in this extreme northern latitude. This proves 
that literal obedience to the Saviour's command is no- 
where impossible. In 1890, there were reported twenty- 
two Baptist churches, with fourteen hundred and seventy- 
four members in Norway. 

In 1868, the work crossed the Baltic into Finland, and 
took firm root. The Swedish Conference, in 1872, formed 
a Foreign Mission Society. In 1874, we find them sup- 
porting a preacher in Lapland. 

The year 1877 was a year of gospel triumph. Two 
thousand three hundred and sixty were baptized. Not 
one of the twenty-four provinces of Sweden was without 
its Baptist church. In October, 1883, the Swedish 
Bethel Seminary entered a commodious building in the 
northern portion of the city, erected for its use by a 
liberal-hearted deacon in Stockholm. He purposed to 
make it a free gift, but unexpected hindrances prevented. 
It was, however, secured to the school, and now stands as 
an institution indispensable to the Baptist work in Sweden. 

In 1878, a second Baptist church was formed in the 
southern portion of the city. In 1885, there were re- 
ported five Baptist church organizations in Stockholm. 

It has been stated that the United States receives ten 
per cent, of the preachers educated at Bethel Seminary, 



280 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

and also ten per cent, of the Swedish Baptist membership ; 
an illustration of the reflex benefit of European missions. 
" He that waterebh, shall be watered also himself." 

In 1887, occurred the death of Dr. Andreas Wiberg, the 
father of the Swedish mission. In 1890, the number of 
baptisms exceeded three thousand. A great revival was 
reported at Sundsvall. Missionary zeal was proven by 
most generous gifts. The churches desiring to send 
missionaries of their own, one young man was already 
under appointment for China. How fast the millennial 
day seems approaching ! 

QUESTIONS. 

1. Who was the father of the Swedish mission ? 

2. Give the links in the chain leading to Wiberg's baptism. 

3. In what year was he sent back to Sweden, and by whom? 

4. What leaven had been working in his absence, and with 
what results? 

5. What is the history of the "Evangelist"? 

6. What events in 1857? 

7. What is said of Mr. Adolph Drake ? 

8. Give facts regarding Stockholm chapel. 

9. W T hat Society inaugurated Baptist work in Sweden? 

10. When was it transferred to the Missionary Union? 

11. What missionaries were appointed, and for what special 
work? 

12. When was Bethel Theological Seminary opened? 

13. Give an account of work in regions beyond? 

14. What is said of the winter baptisms in Norway? 

15. Name the great revival year, and its results. 

16. Give an account of the new building for Bethel Theological 
Seminary. 

17. What reflex benefit does America receive from Swedish 
Baptist missions? 

18. What is the date of death of Mr. Wiberg? 

19. What are the recent developments? 



CHAPTER XLIV. 

MISSIONS IN ITALY. 

TN 1870, Dr. William N. Cote was appointed by the 
-*- Southern Board to open a mission in Southern 
Europe. In September, the army of Victor Emanuel 
threw open the gates of Rome, and proclaimed religious 
liberty to all Italy. This event led to the establishment 
of a Baptist mission in Rome, under the very shadow of 
the Vatican. During the first year Dr. Cote baptized 
twelve converts and organized a church. Dr. Warren 
Randolph and Dr. J. A. Broadus were present on this 
occasion. The latter wrote to the Board: "I had no 
idea beforehand how interesting and promising a field 
Rome would be. I should exclaim vehemently against 
any idea of abandoning it." 

In 1872, were reported six churches, with a member- 
ship of two hundred and seventy-one. Difficulties having 
arisen, Dr. J. B. Jeter was sent to Rome as a special 
agent of the Board. As a result, Dr. Cote and some 
native helpers retired from the service of the Southern 
Baptist Convention. 

In 1873, Rev. George B. Taylor was appointed super- 
intendent of missions in Italy. It was a difficult task set 

281 



282 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

before him, to bring harmony out of discord, order out 
of confusion, from the ruins of what had been, to lay 
broad and deep foundations for better things. He 
proved eminently the man for the need, evincing singu- 
lar wisdom and prudence, and although progress has 
been of necessity slow, it has been sure. 

God raised for the work faithful evangelists, who went 
about preaching the gospel. This aroused persecution. 
Nothing else could be expected in Rome. But the faith- 
ful preachers did not deny their Lord, and the simple 
truth was spread for and wide. 

A chapel was built at Rome in 1878, at a cost of twenty- 
seven thousand dollars, in the raising of which the South- 
ern Board was aided by Northern churches, and by 
Baptists in Great Britain. It was a great achievement, 
for many years a crushing burden to Mr. Taylor, and 
one which had sorely tested his powers of endurance. In 
1880, Rev. J. H. and Mrs. Eager joined the mission in 
Rome. They are making a grand record. Besides 
Messrs. Taylor and Eager, there were ten Italian 
preachers, and twelve stations, with an aggregate mem- 
bership of two hundred and twenty. 

In 1884, the churches in Italy organized into " An 
Apostolic Baptist Union," with the view of promoting 
the principles common to Baptists. A religious paper, 
called "II Testinionio," was established. 

Dr. Taylor, with enfeebled health, was granted leave 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 283 

of absence. In his last report before bis vacation, be 
says: " If I leave this mission for a season, it is from no 
lack of devotion to its interests, but boping to return, 
strengthened in body and mind for the work." 

The Island of Sardinia proved a peculiarly interest- 
ing and hopeful field. In 1887, Baptist churches 
were dotting Italy, from the Alps to the toe of the 
great peninsula. Rome, Bologna, Milan, Naples, and 
Venice, were all illuminated with beams of gospel 
light. 

Dr. Eager writes : " Italy is one of the hard mission 
fields. Missionaries from India, Japan, China, and other 
lands, who have been in Rome, do not hesitate to say that 
this field presents, in some respects, even greater difficul- 
ties than pagan fields. 

" But there is a bright side to the picture. Great and 
prophetic changes have taken place in Italy, and en- 
couraging signs have appeared to cheer the hearts and 
strengthen the hands of Christian laborers." 

Mrs. Eager writes : " Until 1870 not one Roman dared 
declare himself evangelical, and no foreign Protestant 
could worship within the walls of Rome. Now, in 1887, 
there are, connected with all denominations, eight thou- 
sand seven hundred and eight-one church members, four 
thousand seven hundred and fifty-eight Sunday-school 
pupils, eighty-two colporteurs, one hundred and ninety- 
two preachers, two hundred and fifty-six churches and 



284 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS, 

stations, fifty orphan asylums, and nine religious papers, 
either monthly or weekly." 

These figures represent much hard work and many 
tears. Christian work and influence cannot be tabulated, 
hence the above statistics give a very inadequate idea of 
what has been done in Home. 

Dr. Taylor speaks in these concluding words : " I am 
often cast down, but I remember that in this city the 
Roman Senate voted thanks even to an imprudent and 
unsuccessful consul, who had just lost a great battle, be- 
cause he had not despaired of the Republic ; and I am 
by no means in despair. I cannot believe our Roman 
church was born to die. But I also remember the Roman 
Senate did something more than render thanks to their 
executive agent, for they decreed new levies and raised 
more money to retrieve the past and carry on the war. 
Without a considerable increase of expense, we are likely 
to fall sadly behind others, who in every direction are 
lengthening their cords and strengthening their stakes, 
at least in the wav of instrurnentalirv." 



QUESTIONS. 

1. When and by whom was Dr. Cote appointed? 

2. What political event led to the selection of Rome? 

3. Describe the organization of the church, and give Dr. 
Broadus' message. 

4. What results in 1872? 

5. What was Dr. Jeter's mission, and what were its results? 

6. What is said of Mr. Taylor's appointment ? 

7. What is said of the native evangelists ? 

8. Give an account of the chapel in Rome. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 285 

9. What new missionaries in 1880? What was the working 
force and record for that year ? 

10. What organization of Italian churches in 1884, and what 
was its object? 

11. What paper was published ? 

12. What is said of Dr. Taylor? 

13. What does Mr. Eager say of Italy ? 

14. Give Mrs. Eager's summary of results. 

15. {State Mr. Eager's appeal. 

SUPPLEMENTAEY HEADINGS. 

LEAFLET. 

Evangelical Italy. 



CHAPTER XLV. 

MISSIONS IN DENMARK, GREECE, AND SPAIN. 

BAPTIST Denmark is the daughter of Baptist Ger- 
many. Mr. Oncken, visiting Copenhagen in 1839, 
baptized a small band of believers, forming them into a 
church. This event roused the bitterest opposition. The 
State Church could not brook the Baptist rejection of 
infant baptism and baptismal regeneration. They were 
denounced as the successors of the Anabaptists of Mun- 
ster, against whom the sternest laws had been enforced 
in an earlier century. 

The little church, with its pastor, Peter Moenster, was 
forbidden to hold meetings or practice the ordinances. 
Obedience to God rather than man brought upon them 
great sufferings. Still the light spread and converts mul- 
tiplied. English and American Baptists made repeated 
efforts to gain toleration for their Danish brethren, but 
not till 1850 was there much alleviation. The Lutheran 
clergy were determined to rid the kingdom of the Baptist 
plague spot, and only when public opinion became too 
strong for king and clergy did the persecution lighten. 

The first Association of Baptist churches in Denmark 

was formed in 1849, the second in 1865. In 1890, there 

286 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 287 

were two thousand seven hundred and ten Baptists in 
the kingdom. The churches suffer constant loss by emi- 
gration. Danish Baptists, as a whole, are not in favor 
of ministerial education, hence they are not as progres- 
sive as in Sweden. 

In 1887, the Danish churches withdrew from the Ger- 
man Baptist Union, and formed an independent organi- 
zation. The next year revivals swept the country, and 
there was a net gain of two hundred and fourteen mem- 
bers. A year later, the Copenhagen church built a beau- 
tiful chapel, dedicating it October 30, 1889, its jubilee 
anniversary. 

The Danish department of Morgan Park Theological 
Seminary, in America, supplies a few trained laborers, 
and is gradually making the churches more enlightened 
and progressive. Interest in foreign mission work is not 
wanting. Three Danish brethren are laboring on the 
Congo, under the Missionary Union. In 1890, the chil- 
dren in the Danish Baptist Sunday-schools gave one 
hundred dollars toward the work in Africa. 

The reports for 1890 show a revival spirit present in 
Denmark. The aid given the struggling Baptist cause 
in this little kingdom is bringing forth fruit a hundred- 
fold. 

The modern Greek Church is near of kin to the Roman 
Catholic, and is equally intolerant of freedom of con- 



288 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

science. In 1836, Rev. Horace Love and Rev. Cephas 
Pasco located at Patras and soon opened a school. In 
1838, Mr. Love removed to Zante. 

The first convert was baptized in 1840, at Corfu, and 
employed as an assistant. Rev. R. I\ and Mrs. Buel came 
in 1841, and the work began to move slowly forward. 

Rev. A. N. Arnold was designated to Corfu in 1844. 
Mr. Buel removed to Pirseus, and published a Greek 
translation of Wayland's " Moral Science," and other 
works, which were received with great favor. But the 
success of the mission seemed so doubtful that only the 
persistent faith of the missionaries prevented its discon- 
tinuance. 

In 1851, Mr. Arnold removed to Athens. Before this 
there had been mutterings of opposition, but now they 
grew more pronounced and bitter. The next year the 
church numbered thirteen, of whom seven were Greeks. 
Mr. Arnold's congregation was mainly a few young men 
from the university, attracted by the elegance of his 
Greek. The year following, both Mr. Arnold and Mr. 
Buel returned to America. An assistant, D. Sakellarios, 
continued to labor until 1856, when the mission was sus- 
pended for fifteen years. 

In 1871, the Missionary Union appointed Mr. Sakel- 
larios again to labor in Greece. He had qualified him- 
self for this work by a course of study at Newton Theo- 
logical Seminary. He was ordained, and with his wife 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 289 

located at Athens. They were abundant in labors, with 
here and there a convert; but as the set time to favor 
Greece had not yet appeared, the mission was discon- 
tinued in 1886. 

The fall of the Spanish monarchy, followed by the 
proclamation of the Republic, opened the way for Prot- 
estant missions. The home of the Inquisition, Spain had 
been for centuries the hotbed of Roman Catholic bigotry 
and intolerance. Prof. W. I Knapp, having established 
an independent mission in Madrid, was, in 1870, adopted 
by the Missionary Union. In August of this year, the 
First Baptist Church of Madrid was organized, with 
thirty-three members. Another at Alicante soon fol- 
lowed, and native Spaniards ordained as pastors. Mr. 
Knapp gave his attention to the training of evangelists. 

In 1871, G. S. Benoliel, an eloquent speaker, was con- 
verted and baptized, proving just the man needed for the 
Madrid church. Large numbers were attracted to the 
chapel by his fervid appeals. For several years the work 
prospered greatly. There were in 1874 four churches, 
four native pastors, and a membership of two hundred 
and forty-four. 

In 1876, Mr. Knapp returned to America. Missions 
were planted at important centres, and he believed the 
work might safely be left without the presence of an 
American missionary. But events proved otherwise. 



290 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Reverses followed, hot persecution scattered the flock, 
until the onlv station was at Barcelona. In 1881, 
changes in the civil ministrv brought some relief from 
persecution. Rev. E. Lund, a Swede, was sent from this 
country to Spain in 1883, arriving there at a critical 
moment, finding himself the only missionary to Spain. 
Under his wise management the -mission was saved to 
the Baptist denomination. Four years later, Rev. M. C. 
Marin was associated with him. Ill health drove the 
older missionary home, but his return in 1890 was the 
signal for a new campaign of evangelizing effort. There 
are three principal centres of work — at Barcelona, Es- 
cala, and Figueras. If the present aggressive plans are 
carried into execution, we may expect very encouraging 
news from Spain in the near future. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. Whose daughter is Baptist Denmark ? 

2. Give earliest history of the work. 

3. Describe the persecution in detail. 

4. Give statistics of progress. 

5. What is said of Danish Baptists ? 

6. When was independent organization formed ? 

7. Where is Danish theological instruction given? 

8. What foreign mission work is carried on ? 

9. What is its present condition ? 

10. What is said of the Greek Church ? 

11. Give early history of work in Greece. 

12. Give account of the baptism of first convert. 

13. What is said of Mr. Buel's work ? 

14. What kept the mission alive ? 

15. Give details of Dr. Arnold's work in Athens. 

16. At what date was the mission suspended? 

17. Tell the story of the later work. 

18. What opened the way for Baptist missions in Spain ? 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 291 

19. Give details of the first Baptist missions. 

20. What eloquent man was converted in 1881 ? 

21. Give results in 1874. 

22. What followed Mr. Knapp's return to America? 

23. What brought some relief from persecution in 1881 ? 

24. What is said of Mr. Lund's work ? 

25. Who was the later associate ? 

26. What is the present condition of the work ? 



CHAPTER XLVI. 

THE PUBLICATION SOCIETY'S WORK IN TURKEY. 

A PROVIDENTIAL opening led the American 
-*--*- Baptist Publication Society in 1883, to send Dr. 
Haygooni as colporteur to Constantinople, in the same 
way as colpurteurs, book and tract distributors have 
been sent to Germany, Sweden, and Denmark. In 
explanation of the causes that laid the work with especial 
force upon the Baptist denomination, we quote the words 
of Dr. Bitting : " All native Oriental sects are immer- 
sionists, even when administering the rite to infants. 
The use of the Scriptures is not denied to the people, 
who, by heredity, and by the study of the Bible, believe 
in the act of immersion as Baptists believe. Immersion 
is the practice of both the Greeks and Gregorians. It is 
not therefore strange that Pedobaptists make small 
progress, and find it difficult to persuade or retain their 
adherents in the practice of substituting something else 
for Scripture baptism, nor that some reaction should 
occur among their converts. 

" True discipleship, in modern times, is as invincible 
as in the old. Like Judson, in India ; Oncken, in Ger- 
many ; Wiberg, in Sweden ; — these Armenians and Bul- 
292 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 293 

garians had studied the Scriptures, and straightway 
began to do and to teach what they had learned. The 
movement among the Armenians was purely spontaneous. 
No missionaries taught them, for no Baptists were there, 
and the men themselves tell us that they did not know 
such a denomination existed separately from other evan- 
gelicals. They tell us that their ' convictions came from 
the study of the Scriptures, and not from the teachings 
of missionaries.' " 

Dr. Melchonian, an Armenian educated in this country, 
and a Baptist from conviction, sailed for Armenia in 
March, 1884. His heart burned with desire to carry a 
pure gospel to his countrymen in Bible lands. The 
Missionary Union not considering themselves at liberty 
to enter Turkey as a mission field, on account of its prior 
occupancy by another denomination, the Publication 
Society agreed to be the medium of transmission for all 
funds contributed for his support. The work grew most 
surprisingly, in spite of the fact that the support fur- 
nished was far below the needs of the case. 

In 1885, a remarkable thing occurred. A native 
Armenian pastor, who built up among his people a large 
church of nearly seven hundred members, self-supporting, 
and strong in a spiritual sense, came to this country for 
further education. While here, he became a Baptist. 
Word soon came that his church, studying independently, 
ignorant of the experiences of their absent pastor, had 



294 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

reached the same convictions, and were ready to accept 
Baptist ordinances in a body. Funds were collected, 
and he joyfully hastened back to his waiting people. 

Thus the truth spread, and mightily prevailed. Bap- 
tist truth was on its native soil, and its simple presenta- 
tion won for it instant acceptance. In 1891, the work 
had outgrown the scope of the Publication Society, and 
in justice to other claims, it could no longer be carried. 

The law of comity ruling in the relations of the 
various denominational societies, prevented the Mission- 
ary Union from taking up this deeply interesting and 
hopeful field. Thus the matter at present stands. May 
God open the way for American Baptists to still further 
aid these struggling churches in this cradle-land of 
Baptist ordinances. 

QUESTIONS. 

1. What Society sent Dr. Haygooni to Constantinople, how, 
and why ? 

2. What are the causes that give this work an especial claim 
upon American Baptists? 

3. What does Dr. Bitting say of the history of this movement? 

4. Tell the story of Dr. Melchonian. 

5. What remarkable thing happened in 1885 ? 

6. Why did Baptist truth prevail so mightily? 

7. Why cannot the Missionary Union assume the work in 
Turkey ? 

8. What is the law of comity ? 



CHAPTER XLVII. 

OUR CENTURY. 

rilHE year 1889 rounded out seventy-five years of 
-*- American Baptist missionary effort. The year 
1892 completes the century of Baptist missions, dating 
from the beginning in Kettering, England. A glance 
backward reveals glorious things accomplished. But 
there is also a shadow-side to the picture. What has 
been done, with the partial consecration and compara- 
tively meagre gifts of God's people, only suggests the 
glory that might have filled the earth had all the tithes 
been brought into the storehouse. 

The Missionary Union has missions in three continents 
— Europe, Asia, and Africa. In Asia, work is being 
carried on among twelve nationalities — Burmans, Kareus, 
Shans, Chins, Kachins, Telugus, Assamese, Garos, Nagas, 
Kohls, Chinese, and Japanese. The tribes in the Congo 
valley represent its work in Africa. 

In Europe, its laborers are presenting the pure gospel 
in Sweden, Germany, Russia, Denmark, France, and 
Spain. What are the results? 

Its missions in Europe report nine hundred and sixty- 
five preachers, a church membership of seventy-six thou- 

295 



296 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

sand and thirty-nine, with six thousand three hundred 
and fifty-four baptisms in 1890, and contributions aggre- 
gating one hundred and eighty-six thousand one hundred 
and fifty-eight dollars and seventy-two cents. 

Its missions in heathen lands report eight hundred and 
fifty-eight native preachers, a church membership of 
seventy-six thousand six hundred and three, with eight 
thousand seven hundred and eight baptisms in 1890. 
Contributions, fifty-one thousand and thirty eight dollars 
and twelve cents. 

The Woman's Societies auxiliary to the Missionary 
Union have gathered during the year 1890-1891, one 
hundred and twenty-seven thousand six hundred and 
ninety dollars. The Temple Builders, an organization 
of young ladie3 in the West, formed in 1886, have 
brought a goodly amount into the treasury of the Western 
Society in the four years of its existence. The Mission 
Bands, formed of the children, have done a double work 
of gathering the mites of the little ones and educating 
them for future mission helpers. 

" The Missionary Magazine " is the organ of the Mis- 
sionary Union, and is now in its seventy-first volume. 
It is valuable as containing the entire history of the 
missions of the Union from their beginning. " The Help- 
ing Hand" is the organ of the Woman's Societies, while 
"The King's Messengers" is the children's missionary 
paper, issued monthly, as are the others. 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 297 

The Foreign Board of the Southern Baptist Conven- 
tion has its representatives in five continents — China and 
Japan, in Asia; Yoruba, in Africa; Italy, in Europe; 
Brazil, in South America; and our own neighbor, Mexico. 

The foreign work of the Southern Board is vigorous 
and aggressive. Dr. H. A Tupper is its efficient secre- 
tary. In the year 1890-1891, its income was one hundred 
and fifteen thousand four hundred and forty-four dollars 
and seventy-one cents. There were reported in its mis- 
sions thirty-eight stations, eighty-six American mission- 
aries, twenty-three ordained native preachers, fifty-three 
unordained native helpers, sixty-seven churches, two 
thousand three hundred and seventy-seven members, 
three hundred and sixty-one baptisms, and eight hundred 
and twenty-three scholars in its various schools. Measures 
are in contemplation for greatly extended efforts. 

Woman's work in the South is on a different basis from 
that in the North. In each State is a Central Committee, 
composed of women appointed by the Foreign Mission 
Board of the Convention. The office of this committee 
is the dissemination of missionary information and litera- 
ture, the organization of local societies, and the receiving 
and forwarding of funds from auxiliary societies to the 
Board. A contribution of five cents a month, payable 
quarterly, is the condition of membership. Mite boxes 
have been in use many years, yielding rich returns. The 
year 1891 witnessed a completed union of all the States 



298 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

in the general organization. The treasurer's report for 
this year showed contributions from the Woman's work, 
twenty-three thousand seven hundred and sixty-one dol- 
lars and thirty-one cents. The organization of "Sun- 
beam " societies among the children brought in for the 
same year four thousand two hundred and thirty-five 
dollars and twenty-five cents, a striking aggregation of 
gathered mites. 

The organ of the Foreign Board is the " Foreign Mis- 
sion Journal," a monthly magazine, with departments for 
the Woman's and Children's work. 

The Bible is in the hands of most of the peoples among 
whom American Baptists have missions. With the com- 
pletion of the Shan Bible, it may fairly be claimed that 
the word of God has been given to all the people of 
Burma who can read. The Kachins have a dialect 
which must be reduced to written form before they can 
have the Scriptures. The hill tribes of Assam are still 
waiting for the completion of their Bible. 

In Africa, the work of Scripture translation is scarcely 
begun. Central Africa lies as almost a virgin field in 
this respect. It may be expected to make great demands 
on our Bible funds in the future. 

We stand on the threshold of the "Centenary of 
Baptist Missions." What shall be the record of the 
coming years ? 



BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 299 

Missionary endeavor among our young people is in its 
incipiency. Even with our Temple Builders and our 
Mission Bands the rank and file of Baptist youth have 
not all been enlisted in this great cause. But now we 
hear the tread of countless hosts. July, 1891, was a 
historic month, notable as the time when the young 
people of our denomination organized for systematic 
endeavor for Christ and the church. With wise plans 
for the study of God's work in the world, with machinery 
of organization to wheel all into orderly, efficient rank, 
with consecrated tithes, and hearts burning with holv 
enthusiasm, what may not the future see ? 

" If our people rise to the grand occasion, this Centen- 
nial will surpass all other centenary celebrations as our 
missionary age will surpass the glory of all other ages of 
the world — even as the pyramid of Cheops rises above 
the plains of Egypt, as the Himalayas above the mount- 
ains of India." 

QUESTIONS. 

1. What does the vear 1889 complete ? 

2. What the year 1892? 

3. W T hat two sides to the picture ? 

4. In what three continents is the Missionary Union laboring? 

5. Give the list of nationalities in Asia. 

6. What tribes in Africa? 

7. Give the details of work in Europe. 

8. Give the results. 

9. Summary of statistics in heathen lands. 

10. Woman's work. 

11. Temple Builders. 

12. Mission Bands. 

13. Missionary publications. 



300 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

14. In how many continents is the Southern Board at work? 

15. In what countries? 

16. What is said of the work of the Southern Board? 

17. Give statistics for 1890-1891. 

18. What is said of Woman's work in the South ? 

19. W T hat magazine is the organ of the board ? 

20. What is said of Bible work? 

21. W T hat of the work among young people? 

22. What is necessary for grand work in the future? 

23. Give the closing prophecy. 



THE END. 













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